1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was tense about the upcoming bar exam
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tight
stretched with little or no give
a tense rope
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples of tense in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024
The two repeatedly spoke over each other making for tense exchanges throughout the nearly thirty-minute segment.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 July 2024
Prosecutors say Brito resisted arrest by swinging his arms and tensing up in a struggle that brought him and an NYPD lieutenant to the ground.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tense 
Adjective
The Rams held on for a tense 21-13 victory over Air Force, turning the 125-mile journey into something of a joy ride.
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024
The two repeatedly spoke over each other making for tense exchanges throughout the nearly thirty-minute segment.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
Bader’s neck tensed up after an awkward collision with the outfield wall Tuesday night and he’s considered day-to-day.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 July 2024
Prosecutors say Brito resisted arrest by swinging his arms and tensing up in a struggle that brought him and an NYPD lieutenant to the ground.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tense
Adjective
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But after an agonizing Achilles injury that resulted in numerous surgeries, bolts in his foot and two years off climbing, Caldwell, then in his 40s, was worried about his future.Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024
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Amazon investors are worried about heavy capital spending eating into profits.Brooke Seipel, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Once the election results come in, there is also a possibility that some staffers will brag about their candidate’s win in a way that makes their colleagues feel uneasy.Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024
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Privacy and Data Security: A Priority for Employee Trust Fear of data privacy is a valid concern, as some employees may feel uneasy about their employer knowing too much about their personal health.Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Bunions and hammertoes Bunions, which are painful bumps that form at the base of the big toe, are more common in women due to factors like genetics and years of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes.Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 24 Oct. 2024
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Then simply secure the mask onto your face, making sure the Velcro straps are snug but not too tight.Claire Sullivan, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
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The pants come with super-wide legs and an elastic drawstring waistband that can be loosened or tightened depending on your preference.Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2024
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Find it on Amazon This Red Light Wand Works Magic Bring the power of red light therapy to your beautiful skin with this Red Light Wand that will not only tighten your skin and lift your face but fight against wrinkles too.Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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On day one of the women’s gymnastics qualifications in Paris, a nervous Biles took the floor to warm up.Kayla Blanton, SELF, 25 Oct. 2024
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Or the subtle nervous glances to his friend at the cash register, fulfilling the prophecy of his dream?Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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In their cinematic debut, the Warrens investigate a disturbing possession at a remote family home in Rhode Island.Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024
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Stories exposing the abuses of the rich and powerful have never held more resonance, as audiences become increasingly aware of the disturbing realities often lurking behind certain picture perfect images often associated with wealth and fame.Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The direction is taut as ever in an Eastwood film, and the performances are good.Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2024
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Make sure ties are taut so tiny fingers can’t reach what’s inside. 5.Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Political junkies are anxious to see this remarkable election come to an end, and to know the outcome.Matthew Continetti, National Review, 26 Oct. 2024
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Safe to say, agent Scott Boras is anxious to get going with negotiations.Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 25 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Tense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tense. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
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