tension 1 of 2

noun

ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce tension (audio)
Definition of tensionnext
as in pressure
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time under a lot of tension right now about her decision not to go to college

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tension

2 of 2

verb

as in to tense

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Example Sentences

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 tension
Noun
Sara Duterte, vice president of the Philippines, has appeared in court to face impeachment proceedings in a trial that has brought long-standing political tensions to a head. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 9 July 2026 India, one of the world's most prolific IPO markets, was gearing up for issues worth $50 billion as tension in the Middle East were subsiding. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 9 July 2026
Verb
In terms of speech, this means the neurons needed to convert the desire to say a word into the muscle activity needed to control the mouth and tongue, expel sufficient breath, and tension the vocal cords. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, 20 May 2024 In a lengthy chat with host Stephen Colbert, the director and actress spoke about everything from firing Shia LaBeouf to tension with star Florence Pugh to whether Harry Styles actually spit on Chris Pine. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for tension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tension
  1. pressure
  2. tense
  3. stress
  4. tighten
  5. strain
Noun
  • Instead of relying solely on conventional reactor vessels and containment structures, the design uses the pressure generated by a mile-long water column surrounding the reactor to support reactor operating pressure while also providing cooling.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
  • Serve up the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie with less pressure by simply tossing all of the ingredients into your Dutch oven.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Definition of pressure
Verb
  • Singer-songwriter and guitarist Nick DiSalvo’s plaintive vocals and snaking riffs can gently suggest thoughtful indie rock or tense up to show off more doom-adjacent roots.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • Ewing has recognized his shoulders tensing and his upper body going stiff.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026
Definition of tense
Noun
  • The offer comes amid a period of stress for the global aviation sector, as airlines navigate a jet fuel squeeze caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Its receptors can be activated by external opioids such as morphine, but also natural ones – the endorphins produced by the brain to relieve pain and stress.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
Definition of stress
Verb
  • Anthropic has reported banning accounts and tightening filters after detecting attempts to use Claude for phishing emails, malicious code and safeguard bypasses.
    — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Instead of tightening a leash or pushing on a dog’s back to force them to do a trick, pooches are commonly rewarded with treats, toys or positive affirmations.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of tighten
Noun
  • Elevated stations bring bowls up to a more natural eating height, which can reduce strain on the neck, joints and back.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • First of all, master distiller Ross Cornelissen decided to use the distillery’s bourbon yeast strain instead of a neutral yeast during fermentation to add more fruit flavors to the whiskey.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
Definition of strain

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tensing
tension
tensioned
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Cite this Entry

“Tension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tension. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tension

Nglish: Translation of tension for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tension

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