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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tensions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of tension
as in tightens

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
Although escalating Middle East tensions typically boost safe-haven demand for gold, the rise in oil prices this time fueled market concerns over inflation and Fed rate hikes. — CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 The loss of a solid Saudi plan B This de-escalation of Saudi-Houthi tensions was critical in enabling the Gulf kingdom to quickly pivot its oil exports from its east coast ports to the west coast after the Strait of Hormuz was blocked in March 2026. — Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 Paparo’s remarks come as tensions remain high in the South China Sea, where China’s expansive maritime claims overlap with those of several Southeast Asian nations. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 El Pais said on Monday that had caused tensions between the two ministries. — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026 Half of the content was about communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims—this jihad and that jihad. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Not just that, there were reportedly tensions in the family after Eric publicly repeated a story about something Barron allegedly said to President Joe Biden during his father’s inauguration. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 21 July 2026 Add geopolitical tensions to the mix and matters become more urgent. — Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 More than an intricate game of cat-and-mouse, the crime drama plays on the tensions between nature and nurture while unpacking the dangers and vulnerabilities that come with loving other people. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tensions
  1. pressures
  2. tightens
  3. stresses
  4. stretches
  5. strains
  6. ties
  7. tenses
  8. binds
Noun
  • In September 2024, state economists attributed the drop in play to a decline in scratch-off sales as consumers faced inflationary pressures coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic period, which saw a spike in Lottery purchases.
    — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The behaviors that the system can demand overlap with several core wealth-building practices, including deliberate spending, diversified income and the ability to protect long-term goals from immediate pressures.
    — Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of pressures
Verb
  • More than 150 scientists and prior GOP investigations say there is no evidence tying Fauci to wrongdoing, as experts point instead to likely natural origins and Washington tightens oversight of high-risk lab research.
    — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • If the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed into the fall, markets may be forced to reprice oil sharply higher as supply tightens.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Definition of tightens
Noun
  • As Bergeron stresses, breastfeeding is not a requirement to receive benefits from skin-to-skin contact.
    — Parents, Parents, 28 July 2026
  • This framing stresses partisan makeup and candidate strength more than behind-the-scenes tactical genius.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of stresses
Verb
  • James' decision to run for governor left open his seat in the 10th District, which includes a portion of Oakland County and stretches across conservative communities in Macomb County.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Pick a word that stretches you rather than one that flatters you.
    — Rick Tollakson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of stretches
Noun
  • Center backs Maxi Falcon and Gonzalo Lujan remained unavailable while recovering from calf strains.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The team says the molecular analysis indicates that the strains existed in a now-extinct variola virus lineage that bridges Old World European strains with its later variants.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
Definition of strains
Verb
  • The group ties Drake for the third-most leaders in the history of the roster.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The three homered in the same game for the fifth time this season, which according to Elias ties the major-league (10th time) and franchise (second time) records.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of ties
Verb
  • Breezily elegant in execution and at times even Hitchcockian, The Girlfriend is a delicious thriller that tenses up with each new scene and revelation.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of tenses
Verb
  • That force tightly binds particles known as quarks into composite particles such as protons and neutrons.
    — Matt von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 29 July 2026
  • This can happen when your burner is set too high, oil splatters and polymerizes (binds to) the exterior, or food boils over and bakes onto the enamel surface.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Definition of binds

Browse Nearby Words

tensioning
tensions
ten-speed
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Cite this Entry

“Tensions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tensions. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tensions

Nglish: Translation of tensions for Spanish Speakers

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