uptight

adjective

up·​tight ˈəp-ˈtīt How to pronounce uptight (audio)
(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt
Synonyms of uptightnext
1
a
: being tense, nervous, or uneasy
uptight overachievers
b
: angry, indignant
getting uptight over little things
c
: rigidly conventional
an uptight conservative
2
: being in financial difficulties
uptightness
(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt-nəs How to pronounce uptight (audio)
noun

Synonyms of uptight

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Examples of uptight in a Sentence

If our flight is delayed, there's nothing we can do. There's no reason to get so uptight about it. I don't know why people are so uptight about sex.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The uptight, very serious good boy-captain. — ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 After granting his request to aid his cause, Sharako insists that the uptight Lannister prove his worth by wrestling her in a mud pit. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 21 June 2026 Dabbling in this culinary staple is an antidote to uptight, disciplined design. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026 Anna and Tom’s daughter, Natalie (Lily Collias), views Cady as a source who might finally tell her the truth about her uptight mother and avoidant stepfather. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for uptight

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of uptight was in 1934

Rhymes for uptight

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Browse Nearby Words

uptie
uptight
up till
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Cite this Entry

“Uptight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uptight. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

uptight

adjective
up·​tight ˈəp-ˈtīt How to pronounce uptight (audio)
(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt, 
ˌəp-ˌtīt
: being tense, nervous, or uneasy

More from Merriam-Webster on uptight

Nglish: Translation of uptight for Spanish Speakers

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