1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was tense about the upcoming bar exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
a tense relationship existed between the two teachers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tight
stretched with little or no give
a tense rope
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in tightening
to draw tight
he tensed his muscles and attempted to lift the heavy appliance onto the truck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tense
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Yet the conclusion of one lengthy and tense period of talks will only herald another.
—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Everyone in the barber shop flinched at the sound and tensed their shoulders.
—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 Dec. 2025
Keep tensing and releasing muscles of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs, feet, and toes.
—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tense
Adjective
The meeting then grew tense when an audience member appeared to interrupt.
—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Yet the conclusion of one lengthy and tense period of talks will only herald another.
—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
Verb
Curtis seemed to tense up amid the smooth onslaught.
—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Everyone in the barber shop flinched at the sound and tensed their shoulders.
—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Keeping in the same position for a long period of time, especially if cramped or uncomfortable, can also lead to muscles tensing up and feeling tight.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 Dec. 2025
Keep tensing and releasing muscles of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs, feet, and toes.
—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tense
Adjective
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Many small business owners struggle to provide retirement plans, according to a Senate legislative analyst, and Americans are growing increasingly worried about their financial security in retirement.
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But, garnering the support from those within the Big Ten and SEC footprint is clearly not an aspect of this process that both Cantwell and Cruz are worried about.
Adjective
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As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, most Americans feel uneasy about their present, and pessimistic about their future, polls show.
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Sanders takes an uneasy step, into his wonderful, painful childhood.
Adjective
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Contrary to what those face-washing commercials from our childhood led us to believe, your skin doesn't need to feel tight or squeaky-clean after cleansing.
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That was a fantastic finish into a tight window.
Verb
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Varsho tightened the score an inning later with his home run off Trent Thornton.
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The European Central Bank was the first major central bank to raise interest rates last week, its first tightening move in nearly three years.
Adjective
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Oprah selected it for her book club; at her compound in Montecito, Whitehead was so nervous that her staff insisted on blow-drying the damp patches of his dress shirt before they were introduced.
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The low unemployment rate had made many economists nervous, including some on the Fed.
Adjective
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That normalization may be the most disturbing aspect of all.
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Although the project is unlikely to affect Jackson’s popularity much, some of the revelations uncovered during the investigation are disturbing.
Adjective
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Cleverly shot, the film made good use of its taut 74-minute running time (not counting commercials, of course).
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The dry version is taut, floral and mineral, all apple and meadow flower over a saline core.
Adjective
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Though fans are anxious to see Andrade return to more events, her job in Rio is done.
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Homeless, his body torn, Odysseus needs to get back to her and Telemachus, his anxious son, and to clean up the mess.
Cite this Entry
“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tense. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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