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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Recent Examples of tensions
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Rumors have swirled about personal and financial tensions that led to the dissolution of their professional relationship.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Herrero wrote Seasons 1 through 3 before leaving ahead of the fourth and final run on France Televisions amid creative tensions.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
And there’s one additional issue which could exacerbate the current tensions.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Given the ongoing tensions with the Houthis, was this a deliberate low-profile port call?
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
On the strongly Hispanic south side of Milwaukee, both public and private schools have operated amid tensions and worries from parents, children and educators about what will happen.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
In 2020, at the height of tensions with Tehran, the US did not issue a visa to Iran’s then–foreign minister, drawing criticism from the organization and other countries.
—Stéphanie Fillion, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
According to the outlet, this was a bid to ease tensions between him and the king, 76.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
Though the two nations have since normalized relations, tensions often flare, especially regarding unresolved historical disputes.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Rumors have swirled about personal and financial tensions that led to the dissolution of their professional relationship.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Herrero wrote Seasons 1 through 3 before leaving ahead of the fourth and final run on France Televisions amid creative tensions.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
And there’s one additional issue which could exacerbate the current tensions.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Given the ongoing tensions with the Houthis, was this a deliberate low-profile port call?
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
On the strongly Hispanic south side of Milwaukee, both public and private schools have operated amid tensions and worries from parents, children and educators about what will happen.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
In 2020, at the height of tensions with Tehran, the US did not issue a visa to Iran’s then–foreign minister, drawing criticism from the organization and other countries.
—Stéphanie Fillion, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
According to the outlet, this was a bid to ease tensions between him and the king, 76.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tensions
Noun
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The coming days will test whether Milei's popularity can withstand the dual pressures of economic stagnation and credibility erosion, or whether the volatile dynamics of Argentine politics will claim another victim.—
Agustino Fontevecchia,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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Wellness reporter Rachel Hale wrote about Gen Z's financial anxiety being on the rise in the wake of student loan payment pressures and uncertainty.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Although the brand shares that the formula tightens skin, my face felt balanced, refreshed, and hydrated.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The Persons and Family Code law, making Burkina Faso the latest in a series of African countries to criminalize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activity, also tightens rules on nationality and stateless people.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 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,
5 Sep. 2025
-
This year, many families are facing new stresses, from economic uncertainty to confusing and sometimes misleading health information.—
Brian Castrucci,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The younger Burnett will lead a ward that stretches from Cabrini Green and the future Bally’s Casino site to the soaring Fulton Market district and struggling Garfield Park.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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The 11-story observation tower has two decks, one at 26 feet and the other at 126 feet, giving a view that stretches into Warren and Butler counties and downtown Cincinnati.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As the moon clashes with Venus, failing to participate strains workplace relationships.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Sudden start and stop movements can also lead to a greater risk of calf strains and ankle sprains.—
Cathy Cassata,
Health,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The plan also ties Musk's compensation to the mass production of autonomous robotaxis and humanoid robots, technologies Tesla believes could redefine both transportation and labor.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Pete escapes into the snowy woods, but Lambert tracks him down and ties him up.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In Norse mythology, the ash tree known as Yggdrasill binds together all nine worlds, from the underworld of Niflheim to the realm of the gods, Asgard.—
Ellen Walker,
JSTOR Daily,
3 Sep. 2025
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Aside from Nuñez’s Oscar Martinez, what binds the two series together is, well, paper.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tensions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tensions. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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