tenser; tensest
1
: stretched tight : made taut : rigid
tense muscles
2
a
: feeling or showing nervous tension
a tense smile
b
: marked by strain or suspense
a tense thriller
3
: produced with the muscles involved in a relatively tense state
the vowels \ē\ and \ü\ in contrast with the vowels \i\ and \u̇\ are tense
tensely
adverb
tenseness
noun
tensed; tensing
: to make tense
: to become tense
tensed up and missed the putt
1
: a distinction of form in a verb to express distinctions of time or duration of the action or state it denotes
2
a
: a set of inflectional forms of a verb that express distinctions of time
b
: an inflectional form of a verb expressing a specific time distinction
Examples of tense in a Sentence
Adjective
She was feeling pretty tense.
Why are you so tense?
We sat quietly for a few tense moments.
It was a tense meeting.
My calf muscles are really tense.
Verb
She tensed as he walked toward her.
He tensed up and missed the putt.
Noun
The sentence will read better if you change the tense of the verb.
You should avoid changing tense in the middle of a paragraph.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lucy Ford, Time, 27 Dec. 2025
Things are tense between the father-daughter duo throughout season 5, Volume 2, as Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is furious and feels betrayed by Hopper (David Harbour).
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
Studios in collaboration with Banijay’s DLO Producciones, tracks the rise of the founding leader of Los Miami, a gang which controlled Madrid’s insatiable ‘90s drug business, tensed by sudden explosive violence, and the drug-lord’s multiple near-death experiences.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
Organized by date like the almanacs that inspired it, the text likely would have unfolded in the present tense, providing the reader with a real-time narrative tour of Concord through the seasons.
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tense
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Well, maybe don’t lock in for Season 4 of Industry, the tensest show on TV, which follows investment bankers in London.
—Lucy Ford, Time, 27 Dec. 2025
Things are tense between the father-daughter duo throughout season 5, Volume 2, as Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is furious and feels betrayed by Hopper (David Harbour).
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Verb
Keeping in the same position for a long period of time, especially if cramped or uncomfortable, can also lead to muscles tensing up and feeling tight.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
Studios in collaboration with Banijay’s DLO Producciones, tracks the rise of the founding leader of Los Miami, a gang which controlled Madrid’s insatiable ‘90s drug business, tensed by sudden explosive violence, and the drug-lord’s multiple near-death experiences.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025
Noun
Bob also speaks fondly and in the present tense of Phyllis, indicating that one of the series' strongest relationships is a solid as ever.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
Organized by date like the almanacs that inspired it, the text likely would have unfolded in the present tense, providing the reader with a real-time narrative tour of Concord through the seasons.
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tense
Cite this Entry
“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tense. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tense
1 of 3 noun
: a form of a verb used to show the past, present, or future time of the action or state it denotes
tense
2 of 3 adjective
tenser; tensest
1
: stretched tight : made rigid
tense muscles
2
: feeling or showing nervous tension
a tense smile
3
: marked by strain or uncertainty
a tense moment
tensely
adverb
tenseness
noun
tense
3 of 3 verb
tensed; tensing
: to make or become tense
Etymology
Noun
Middle English tens "time, tense," from early French tens (same meaning), from Latin tempus "time" — related to temporary
Adjective
from Latin tensus "stretched tight," from tendere "to stretch" — related to tender entry 2
Medical Definition
tense
2 of 2 verb
tensed; tensing
: to make tense
tense a muscle
: to become tense
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