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
as in tightening
to draw tight
he tensed his muscles and attempted to lift the heavy appliance onto the truck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tense
Jaclyn Hendricks,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
South Africa’s anti-migrant protest leaders vowed a rolling campaign targeting the country’s commercial hubs after tense nationwide protests ended with activists giving the government six months to enforce mass deportations and workplace quotas.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
IEEE Spectrum,
1 Apr. 2026
The uneven ground forces the body to tense with every step.
—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Mar. 2026
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 Dec. 2025
Keep tensing and releasing muscles of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs, feet, and toes.
—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tense
Adjective
After 0-0 Draw Against Portugal After a tense 90-minute match-up and a 0-0 draw in Florida on Saturday, July 27, both Colombia and Portugal are heading to the knockout stage.
—
Jaclyn Hendricks,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
South Africa’s anti-migrant protest leaders vowed a rolling campaign targeting the country’s commercial hubs after tense nationwide protests ended with activists giving the government six months to enforce mass deportations and workplace quotas.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Verb
The slope down to the sidewalk was barely an inch high, but everyone tensed.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
1 Apr. 2026
The uneven ground forces the body to tense with every step.
—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Mar. 2026
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
Keep tensing and releasing muscles of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs, feet, and toes.
—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tense
Adjective
-
The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.
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Hollywood insider Rob Shuter is reporting that guests to the wedding are worried about the itinerary and the scale of the celebration.
Adjective
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The company and the government have since seemed to settle into an uneasy truce.
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But some retirees remain uneasy about security concerns, healthcare quality, and property ownership structures.
Adjective
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With life spent largely on transit, navigating tight layovers, and using their days off to jet-set across the globe, flight attendants have mastered the art of packing.
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Polls overall anticipate a tight race, including a June 19 survey by the news site Zeteo showing DeGette trailing Kiros 41% to 36%.
Verb
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The push for community solar in Boise comes amid growing restrictions on renewable energy across Ada County, where commissioners voted last year to dramatically tighten rules on where large-scale solar panel arrays can be built.
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Plus, glycerin, collagen, and niacinamide to tighten fine lines, improve firmness, and restore hydration, so the skin looks plump and supple.
Adjective
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At Clis boutique in Melrose Park, owner Jeimmy Espina is nervous and overwhelmed by the number of dead and injured in her home country.
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Apple head honchos are nervous about cybersecurity – and one reason might be a recent supply chain attack on supplier Tata, the largest Indian company of its kind to ink a partnership with the front-running American smartphone company.
Adjective
-
There were many disturbing parts of Kerstin’s story left unpursued.
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The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
Adjective
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Cleverly shot, the film made good use of its taut 74-minute running time (not counting commercials, of course).
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The dry version is taut, floral and mineral, all apple and meadow flower over a saline core.
Adjective
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Max is accompanied on his adventures by anxious robot C-3PO AB Sitter, and FX, a magical alien masquerading as a toy who can turn the kid's implausibly impressive sand sculptures into fully functioning robots.
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America’s centennial in 1876 was celebrated with a grand exhibition that projected an image of national unity and inventiveness in the anxious aftermath of civil war and recession.
Cite this Entry
“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tense. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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