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
With a tonic of awareness, space, and time, the physical tension and fear released. — Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026 Psychological tension and narrative development come not from plot but from silence, duration, landscape, and movement. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 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
  • France braces for a nationwide general strike French authorities were braced for a nationwide general strike over public services and cost-of-living concerns, demonstrations that showcase growing pressure on Europe’s social-welfare model.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The unit finished strong, and the run game production helped elevate the appearance of the group, but penalties and quarterback pressure limited what this grade could have been.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of pressure
Verb
  • Even an Impractical Joker, after hundreds of public challenges and punishments designed to push the limits of embarrassment, could still tense up when a cellphone camera caught him experimenting with a new bit.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The women tensed when the deputy warden of the Rostov jail, a curt, imperious man with a heavy-footed gait, walked in.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of tense
Noun
  • Half the group took part in an eight-week lifestyle education course on diet, exercise and stress.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • After waking up confused and barely able to speak, she was told by emergency room doctors to see a therapist for stress, but the problem was much more complex.
    — David Wahlberg, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of stress
Verb
  • Analysts and experts expect Democrats to tighten scrutiny of data-center projects and push for construction moratoriums as local opposition grows over electricity costs.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The race tightened into a near dead heat despite Oregon not electing a Republican governor in more than four decades.
    — Spencer Kimball,Garrett Downs,Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Justin Papp, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of tighten
Noun
  • However, the higher number of diversions places an additional strain on the system.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Hosts Atletico Madrid, too, suffered a huge blow recently, with central defender Cristian Romero ruled out due to a muscle strain.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tension

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tension

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