tenseness

noun

Definition of tensenessnext
as in tension

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenseness
  1. tension
  2. nerves
  3. anxiousness
  4. anxiety
Noun
  • Although much of the media attention on Harry and Meghan has focused on family tensions and recriminations in recent years, Owens suggested that the story may now shift to the royal’s efforts to rebuild family harmony.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The visit followed weeks of negotiations about security and accommodations, which hinted at ongoing tensions.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • Now, the difference between my process and a lot of Simon’s process is meant to get rid of his nerves.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Valkyries played the first half like a team shackled by nerves.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of nerves
Noun
  • The thought of the school year beginning, schedules changing and colder days ahead can create anxiousness — all while summer is still there to be enjoyed in August.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • High-cost financing decisions are almost always made in a state of anxiousness or panic.
    — Nathan Mor, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Definition of anxiousness
Noun
  • Now, as my anxiety climbed, the smell was becoming inseparable from the fear.
    — Ledio Cakaj, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • After years of stomach-gurgling, nail-chewing anxiety, this was an entirely different Arsenal experience.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

tensed
tenseness
tenses
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tenseness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenseness. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All