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

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 But the resumption of tensions in the strait have slowed those transits to a trickle – just over a dozen on Sunday. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 This match was played just four years after the two countries had been at war and tensions were still high. — Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Set in the immigrant neighborhoods of 1950s Brooklyn, Miller’s searing tragedy explores the tensions between devotion and desire, justice and loyalty, and the promise and pressures of the American Dream. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 July 2026 War risk premiums for Strait of Hormuz are expected to increase sharply as markets react to the escalating tensions, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, as shipowners and charterers have paused decisions to transit through the waterway. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 14 July 2026 But the tensions between the long-time sparring partners extend far beyond vote counts. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 July 2026 The funeral, which ends Thursday, was supposed to be a period of lower tensions. — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 The action risks escalating tensions while the United States and Iran negotiate on a long-term peace agreement that addresses Iran's nuclear capacity. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tensions

Noun

In Iran’s eyes this violates the MoU, which included provisions for reopening the strait, easing financial pressures on Iran and setting expectations for addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Increasingly, pressures including climate change, fires and the proliferation of invasive species have continued to negatively impact the region, according to the NPS, despite ongoing conservation and restoration efforts.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of pressures

Verb

The emergence of alternative models comes as corporate America tightens its belt on AI spending, and presents another challenge for OpenAI and Anthropic, which have flourished over the past few years by selling the most cutting-edge technology.

— Deirdre Bosa,Jasmine Wu, CNBC, 10 July 2026
Your 3rd House of Communication tightens as the vibrant Sun activates it and clashes with restrictive Saturn in your 12th House of Solitude.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026

Definition of tightens

Noun

Sadly, the couple broke up in 2021 amid stresses during the COVID-19 pandemic, TMZ reported.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
This structural arrangement causes the unwanted electrical stresses to cancel out at the system level, resulting in zero total common-mode voltage and zero net neutral-point current under ideal operating conditions.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

Definition of stresses

Noun

Unprecedented consumption patterns from data storage centers and artificial intelligence computing infrastructure have placed new strains on municipal electricity grids.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026
Though most cases of infection pass, some strains can lead to a life-threatening type of kidney failure, particularly in young children and older adults.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of strains

Verb

And a pair of overalls really ties together any outfit within seconds — whether layered over a tank top or tee for summer or a sweater for fall.

— Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
The best player of the previous decade, the link that ties Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols to Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, has not taken an All-Star at-bat this decade.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of ties

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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 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of tensions

noun

verb

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