as in pressures
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 tensions
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025
The protest at the Philharmonie comes amid growing tensions in the musical world around Israel’s war in Gaza.
—Philippe Cordier, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Friday’s launch underscores the fragile security situation on the peninsula and highlights ongoing tensions as North Korea continues to expand its missile capabilities.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Specifically, the reality star pointed to the show’s tendency to omit or edit around more substantive discussions of her tensions with her castmates as a factor in her decision to exit.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Nov. 2025
The trip came as tensions were rising between President Joe Biden and China.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
That capability also raises regional political tensions.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Although the balloon incident has not been directly linked to Moscow, Lithuania's border closures add to tensions spiked by accusations of Russian incursions into NATO airspace amid Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
The tensions are mounting and the room for error is constricting.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
Operating in 34 African countries, though more prominent in the French-speaking West Africa region that is rife with political tensions, Ecobank is close to the vulnerabilities of doing business on the continent.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025
The protest at the Philharmonie comes amid growing tensions in the musical world around Israel’s war in Gaza.
—Philippe Cordier, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Friday’s launch underscores the fragile security situation on the peninsula and highlights ongoing tensions as North Korea continues to expand its missile capabilities.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Specifically, the reality star pointed to the show’s tendency to omit or edit around more substantive discussions of her tensions with her castmates as a factor in her decision to exit.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Nov. 2025
The trip came as tensions were rising between President Joe Biden and China.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
That capability also raises regional political tensions.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
Although the balloon incident has not been directly linked to Moscow, Lithuania's border closures add to tensions spiked by accusations of Russian incursions into NATO airspace amid Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
The tensions are mounting and the room for error is constricting.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tensions
Noun
-
Bain’s 44 total pressures generated entering Saturday according to Pro Football Focus ranks fourth nationally and behind only Texas Tech’s David Bailey (58) among players from power conference schools.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Beyond the impact of tariffs, consumers are coping with cost-of-living pressures and inflation.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The jacket is fully synthetic (no real feathers) with a high collar, deep pockets, and a hem that tightens to trap warmth.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Repeat this motion—pulling and turning—until the dough tightens into a smooth, round ball.—
Katie Parla,
Saveur,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
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,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Researchers have noted that the focus of community, culture and family structures within Indigenous populations can protect against some early-life stresses and social isolation, a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease.—
Holly J. McDede,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
At its center is a mysterious oligarch whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers and a brilliant young strategist.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
-
At its center is a mysterious oligarch, whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers and a brilliant young strategist.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Picking those strains is a bit of a gamble, but one made less risky by the work of more sophisticated labs, like CDC.—
NPR,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts believed to have various health benefits, but different strains target different systems.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
More than a century on, that mark ties him to Dan Ballard and the Sunderland-Arsenal Premier League match at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In the final act, Baramulla ties all its threads together.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Philanthropy can be the glue that binds generations.—
William Jarvis,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
-
However, there's also another tie that binds the sparkling statements Meghan and Eugenie made, as both of their only tiara wears to date.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tensions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tensions. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share