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
Bill Gifford, Outside Online, 26 July 2022
The team will separate and individually tension each of the five sunshield layers, stretching them into their final shape.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2022
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
The hostage subplot, which was shot in the Canary Islands, is one or two drone shots of a jungle but nothing to generate excitement or tension or visual variety.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tension
Noun
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
The team will separate and individually tension each of the five sunshield layers, stretching them into their final shape.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2022
Verb
The dispute underscores the tension between global humanitarian agencies and Israel, which continues its military operations in Gaza City while preparing for a broader offensive.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
The hostage subplot, which was shot in the Canary Islands, is one or two drone shots of a jungle but nothing to generate excitement or tension or visual variety.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tension
Noun
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Caleb Banks returns at defensive tackle after recording seven QB pressures in wins against LSU and Ole Miss.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
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The median period between symptom onset and death was just three days; most of the children who died had such severe brain swelling that the pressure forced the brain downward, crushing vital areas that control breathing and heart function.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Especially in the 200, he’s been known to tense up on the turn, which slows him down.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
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Taylor Heinicke visibly tensed the moment the ball left his fingers.—
Devon Henderson,
Oc Register,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Too much stress and anxiety might lead one to feel tired or burnt out, potentially contributing to health concerns.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
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His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Getty Images President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would permit 600,000 Chinese students to study at American universities, a sharp pivot from his administration’s earlier stance on tightening visa restrictions for this student cohort.—
Anna Esaki-Smith,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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For the full year, Abercrombie tightened its earnings outlook and now expects earnings per share to be between $10.00 and $10.50.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This summer brought severe strain across key agricultural regions.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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If all continues to go well, López could return to the majors next week, roughly three months after suffering a Grade 2 teres major strain in his right shoulder.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tension. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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