TENSENESS Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

tenseness

noun

Definition of tenseness

as in tension

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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.

Recent Examples of tenseness Parkinson’s is often marked by tremors, slow or impaired movement, tenseness or rigidity and difficulty balancing, as well as speech changes and loss of automatic motor functions like blinking or smiling, according to Mayo Clinic. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenseness

Noun

Bailey was named co-deputy director in August 2025 to serve alongside Dan Bongino at a time of high tensions between FBI and Justice Department leadership over the handling of the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

— Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Her existence within pop spaces has come with a bit of inherent tension, as generally left-leaning pop fans have long viewed her potential political affiliations with skepticism.

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of tension

Noun

Normally, such coordination is the nervous system’s job, carried out by little electrical signals traveling along nerves.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) imaging equips surgeons with a detailed view of bone structure, nerves, sinuses, and surrounding anatomy before a procedure even begins.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of nerves

Noun

Postpartum depression can be anxiousness or sadness, tearfulness, difficulty sleeping.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of anxiousness

Noun

And three, sometimes four, of those many waking hours are spent in the car — bouncing from home to school to her second or third job and home again — with music at full blast to drown out the babble of anxiety, most of it financial.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
This can help decrease anxiety and increase confidence by removing the pressure of one ideal performance and shifting focus to the present moment.

— Lennon Sherburne, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of anxiety

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“Tenseness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenseness. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tenseness

noun

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