1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was tense about the upcoming bar exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
a tense relationship existed between the two teachers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tight
stretched with little or no give
a tense rope
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tense
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
The power of HOAs over homeowners has been a tense conversation across North Carolina.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
Vanderbilt speech pathologist Jennifer Muckala added that Williams-Paisley’s muscles had been tensing up to compensate for her vocal cords.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for tense
Adjective
Italian Government | Reuters Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday amid a tense trade standoff with the European Union over tariffs.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
The power of HOAs over homeowners has been a tense conversation across North Carolina.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Key Ingredients: Chantecaille’s mask is enriched with plant stem cells, four peptides, tensing agents, and nourishers to smooth and lift the skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
Vanderbilt speech pathologist Jennifer Muckala added that Williams-Paisley’s muscles had been tensing up to compensate for her vocal cords.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for tense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tense
Adjective
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Others are worried about the fate of the Smithsonian more broadly.—
Deborah Barfield Berry,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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An overwhelming 92 percent are worried about a potential recession in 2025.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Consumer sentiment and expectations Americans are feeling uneasy about the economy, and that is showing up in the data.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Markets have been turbulent ever since as trade policy uncertainty leaves investors uneasy.—
Chris DiLella,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Most engines with two banks of cylinders have a V angle of 60 or perhaps 90 degrees; with a V angle of just 15 degrees, the VR6 engine was able to fit in the tight confines of the Golf's engine bay.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2025
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Size of fines ‘big and scary’ Stephen Shepard, executive vice president of the Denver Metro Building Owners and Managers Association, said the city’s timelines were too tight and the fines too heavy.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Texas bills would tighten uncertified teacher rules A provision in Texas House Bill 2 would bar school districts from employing teachers without certifications, and give them extra money to certify any teachers who aren’t already certified.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2025
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Yet, risks of a global economic downturn still threaten the sector, which could cause all consumers to tighten their purse strings.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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At the same time, sellers might get nervous if deal activity slows down.—
James Nelson,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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At times brutal and always volatile, the album functions as a sort of electro-shock therapy applied from the shoulders down, layering hard beats, ambient whorls, and nervous acid ticks to trigger a state of full-body rapture.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Ghosts that wink could be scary but the face Sal makes is disturbing in other ways.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2025
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In cases where advertising is inevitable, some prefer ads that appeal on a personal level over messaging that can be inappropriate or, even, disturbing and offensive.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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At the table, Ochoa took the scissors and snipped the clean, beige natural casing, which was taut like a balloon.—
Laurie Ochoa,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2025
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To use it, hold the tool downward at a 45-degree angle and pull the skin taut while moving the device downward in short, gentle strokes—and feel free to pick your own speed.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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How to know when your dog is agitated Identifying an anxious or aggressive dog can be tricky, as negative and positive emotional indicators can often be confused.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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The Fed chief said Wednesday the central bank can be patient while assessing data on inflation and employment, which are its dual mandates, while anxious consumers and businesses eye potentially prolonged economic instability.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tense. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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