as in pressure
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time
under a lot of tension right now about her decision not to go to college
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Recent Examples of tension
Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The tension is at the heart of the row between Afreximbank and Fitch, which this week saw the continent’s trade bank end its relationship with the ratings agency.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2022
The roof bars tension the whole tent nicely, pulling against the stakes, so there’s no slack in the walls and no sag in the roof.
—Bill Gifford, Outside Online, 26 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for tension
Noun
Our list features neo-noir, studies on female friendship and works that speak to our current moment confronting race and border tension, along with a few narratives that weave in hope.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The tension is at the heart of the row between Afreximbank and Fitch, which this week saw the continent’s trade bank end its relationship with the ratings agency.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
In a lengthy chat with host Stephen Colbert, the director and actress spoke about everything from firing Shia LaBeouf to tension with star Florence Pugh to whether Harry Styles actually spit on Chris Pine.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2022
The roof bars tension the whole tent nicely, pulling against the stakes, so there’s no slack in the walls and no sag in the roof.
—Bill Gifford, Outside Online, 26 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for tension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tension
Noun
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As priorities are refreshed and budgets defended, the pressure to demonstrate productivity in visible ways becomes the default response.—
Dilan Gomih,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Thermal and pressure bonding of a capping layer The research team showed that thermal and pressure bonding of a capping layer to a perovskite surface suppresses defect initiation from iodide loss and enhances long-term stability.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Schroeder and Pepper note that while girls are often socialized to name feelings, seek help, and build collaborative relationships, boys receive far fewer tools for navigating stress, conflict, and uncertainty.—
Dr. Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Antidepressants are also used to treat a wide variety of other conditions, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Add peak summer travel and global eclipse tourism, and availability will only tighten as August approaches.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Stewart said her skincare routine begins the night before, then shifts to contrast therapy in the morning using a hot towel to open her pores and a cold compress to tighten them back up.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The resulting internal strain caused the layers to peel apart and curl into tight scrolls.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Jan. 2026
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Miso contains several bacterial strains as long as it isn't boiled or heated.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tension. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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