TENSIONS Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

tensions 1 of 2

noun

plural of tension

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

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tensions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of tension

as in tightens

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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 tensions

Noun

Weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks on the UAE earlier this year, the vast majority of which were intercepted, sparked tensions among locals and hammered the country's tourism and aviation industry. — Jenni Reid,emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 Wednesday, would have escalated tensions between the United States and its northern neighbor, a key trading partner. — Rachel Lerman, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Still, when federal contractors began using heavy machinery in the national park to clear land earlier this month, tensions rose again and questions were renewed about their plans. — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 Despite regional geopolitical tensions, Disney reaffirms its commitment. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The attacks come as tensions are rising between the government of western Libya and warlord Mohamed Bahroun, who controls the city of Zawiya. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Chip stocks are known for big price swings and can be rattled by geopolitical tensions or shifts in how hyperscalers choose to fund their spending. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 The relationship between the women has been marked by reports of generational tensions and policy disagreements. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026 Growing tensions with Washington have heightened Beijing’s anxieties. — Caitlin Welsh, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tensions

Noun

Prices of the precious commodity have swung dramatically from one season to the next, particularly as issues such as climate change, water scarcity and pest and disease pressures persist.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Spradling said large events can provide a significant boost, but staffing pressures, parking shortages and rising operating expenses remain ongoing challenges.

— Kenny Choi, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pressures

Noun

For me, getting a haircut is a chance to relax, unwind, and take a break from the stresses of daily life.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
These thermal gradients generate stresses that may crack or spall – chip or flake off – the outer surface, but the heat often does not penetrate deeply enough to compromise the structural core.

— Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stresses

Noun

The Yankees announced Saturday that Stanton had sustained a left calf strain while rehabbing from two calf strains in his right leg.

— Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
The setback occurred a couple of days ago when Stanton — who has missed the past four months due to two separate strains in his right calf — fell while running the bases, manager Aaron Boone said Saturday.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of strains

Verb

That actually ties the non-DCU, The Batman spin-off The Penguin, the hugely praised standalone series that aired in 2024.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
For collection accounts and charge-offs, federal law ties the reporting period to the initial delinquency that ultimately led to the account being charged off or sent to collections.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of ties

Verb

To prevent this leaching, stale urine was used as a mordant—a chemical that binds to the dye and the cloth, acting as a molecular bridge between the two while protecting the color from breaking down from exposure to light, water, and rinsing.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
The provider binds the account, agent and task in an authorization record and digitally signs it, allowing the retailer and payment service to verify who issued it and whether it has been altered.

— Aashis Luitel, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of binds

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tensioning

tensions

ten-speed

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“Tensions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tensions. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tensions

noun

verb

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