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

So as not to keep you on tenterhooks, “CIA” gets you most of the way there by the end of the first hour.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 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

“I shall be on tenterhooks to hear what you have to say tomorrow.”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

on tenterhooks

Example Sentences

Related Words