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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Recent Examples of tension
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2022
The roof bars tension the whole tent nicely, pulling against the stakes, so there’s no slack in the walls and no sag in the roof.
—Bill Gifford, Outside Online, 26 July 2022
Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
The top was, however, juxtaposed by gray, tapered trousers, providing the overall look contrast and tension.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tension
Noun
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
The roof bars tension the whole tent nicely, pulling against the stakes, so there’s no slack in the walls and no sag in the roof.
—Bill Gifford, Outside Online, 26 July 2022
Verb
First, there’s tension about two competing events between Keiarna and Wendy, except Keiarna’s is a pre-party at the condo, and Wendy is hosting a formal party at the race, so there’s actually no conflict at all.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
The top was, however, juxtaposed by gray, tapered trousers, providing the overall look contrast and tension.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tension
Noun
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Eight New York Jets showed pressure against just five available Broncos blockers, with the rest of Nix’s arsenal split out wide as Denver looked for a spark deep in its own territory.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
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Freshman Eva Karacalidis starred in her debut at center-mid, helping the Porkers apply a wealth of offensive pressure in an 11-shot first half.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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My skin felt dirty, and my stomach tensed with fear.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
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Fanning’s tensed, squirrelly performance comes to life in these spots, with Polly’s waning trust and fear of betrayal cluing into a wounded self-loathing that becomes the film’s best lasting impression.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There are also concerns the delay will cause chaos, confusion and stress for Americans, some of whom have already started receiving notices that their premiums will skyrocket next year.—
Ali Swenson,
Twin Cities,
16 Oct. 2025
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Researchers say the material can even be integrated with rigid robotic parts to create hybrid machines suited for complex, high-stress environments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Keep the handle away from your torso with slightly bent arms, and brace your core by gently tightening your abdominal muscles.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
21 Oct. 2025
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Sixty-three percent (63%) of respondents say their financial situation has worsened over the past 12 months, and 65% report their grocery budgets have tightened.—
Darin Detwiler,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But the large crowds entering through the museum’s doors each day have put a strain on the centuries-old building – and its staff.—
Caitlin Danaher,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
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The Brat star then arrived, making her way across the floor of the Forum while powerfully delivering her opening verse about the strains of female friendship.—
Rachel Scharf,
Billboard,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tension. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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