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Definitions

on tenterhooks

ADJECTIVE
agog
Synonyms
WEAK
anxious avid breathless eager enthusiastic excited expectant impatient in suspense
ADJECTIVE
expectant
Synonyms
WEAK
alert anticipative anxious apprehensive awaiting breathless eager expecting hopeful hoping in suspense looking for on edge prepared raring ready vigilant waiting waiting on watchful with bated breath
ADJECTIVE
ill at ease
Synonyms
WEAK
anxious apprehensive awkward discomfited disquieted disturbed doubtful edgy faltering fidgety hesitant insecure nervous on edge on pins and needles out of place restless self-conscious shy suspicious tense uncomfortable uneasy unrelaxed unsettled unsure
Antonyms
WEAK
at ease comfortable content

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Is it why markets are rocking, why oil shipments are cut back from the Strait of Hormuz, why the world hangs on tenterhooks of suspense over what happens next?

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026

For PSG, the fans will be on tenterhooks until the very end in their bid for a top-eight finish.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Back in the current Archers timeline, fans were left on tenterhooks by the cliffhanger broadcast on New Year's Eve, when a dramatic attack shook the village.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

As a way to find joy, she said, in a time when news and world events have us all on tenterhooks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

Harry had his wand raised, waiting on tenterhooks to repel a jinx that seemed unlikely ever to come.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling