ON TENTERHOOKS Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

on tenterhooks

phrase

Definition of on tenterhooks

as in nervous

feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty He's been on tenterhooks in anticipation of his acceptance letter.

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for on tenterhooks

on edge

Phrase

The high-rise marks a particularly disruptive chapter that Dennis said has her entire street on edge.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Lately, though, the highly concentrated, tech-centric momentum trade has put more investors on edge.

— Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Definition of on edge

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.

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on-target

on tenterhooks

on the alert

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“On tenterhooks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on%20tenterhooks. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of on tenterhooks

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