1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was tense about the upcoming bar exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of tense
Melissa Noel, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025
The former, co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, is a tense thriller that turns the final 20 minutes of Civil War into a feature-length set piece in the Middle East, and the latter, directed by Resurrection producer Alex Scharfman, is a giddy eat-the-rich satire featuring enormous puppets.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 1 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
While Trump and Musk haven’t responded to the speech, Booker’s marathon moment comes at a tense time for Democrats.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025
The former, co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, is a tense thriller that turns the final 20 minutes of Civil War into a feature-length set piece in the Middle East, and the latter, directed by Resurrection producer Alex Scharfman, is a giddy eat-the-rich satire featuring enormous puppets.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 1 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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What's more, despite the fact that the majority of parents limit their teen's digital usage, most remain worried that they will be exposed to harms online.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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As the Trump administration makes major cuts to federal health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, some Alzheimer's experts are worried about research for the brain-impairing disease being halted, which could impact treatment options and the lives of patients and their families.—
Sara Moniuszko,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Inflation, perhaps stiffened by tariffs, and uncertainty over the future of the labor market have left consumers feeling uneasy.—
DeArbea Walker,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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But the Armageddon-level stakes of unrest in the region should make anyone uneasy about mishaps.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The Grizzlies, which entered with losses in seven of their last eight games and recently made a coaching change, are in a tight race in the Western Conference to avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
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Her hair was pulled back into a tight chignon with a few strands of wavy hair to frame her face.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Italy is drastically tightening its citizenship requirements, ending the dream for many thousands hoping to get an Italian passport through ancestry.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2025
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Plus, the straps can be tightened or loosened to your liking.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Teachers are nervous about a new online portal where students or parents can file complaints about diversity, equity and inclusion lessons in class with the U.S. Department of Education.—
Leila Fadel,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2025
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People get nervous, especially when a show is so popular.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Other times, Claude’s mental activity seems super disturbing and maybe even dangerous.—
Steven Levy,
Wired News,
28 Mar. 2025
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Just as disturbing and bizarre, at least one juror originally didn’t want to convict Zeigler at all and didn’t vote to do so until after that same judge ordered the bailiff to give her a Valium.—
Scott Maxwell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Dragging combs and brushes through your lengths, tying styles with taut ties and ribbons, and even exposing hair to the elements all take their toll over time.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
25 Mar. 2025
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Varley’s grip, her taut observation of nerve-wracking isolation, loosens and the film devolves into a blunt and clichéd consideration of family.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Not that Wendlinger is anxious for her time with the Mustangs to end.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
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Friday, a government report showed that the U.S. labor market held up better than expected in March despite the federal government’s layoffs, the crackdown on immigrants, and surveys showing that consumers and businesses are increasingly anxious about the economy.—
Josh Fellman,
Quartz,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tense. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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