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Definitions

tense

[tens] / tɛns /
ADJECTIVE
tight, stretched
Synonyms
STRONGEST
strained
STRONG
close firm stiff
WEAK
rigid taut
Antonyms
STRONG
flexible loose soft
WEAK
calm limp limpid relaxed slack
ADJECTIVE
under stress, pressure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agitated anxious apprehensive edgy excited jittery nervous restive shaky strained stressful uneasy
STRONG
choked clutched concerned moved moving shot unnerved wired worried worrying wreck
WEAK
beside oneself bundle of nerves fidgety fluttery high-strung hung up hyper in a tizzy jumpy nerve-racking nervous wreck on edge overanxious overwrought queasy restless shot to pieces strung-out unquiet up the wall uptight white knuckled wound-up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm composed easygoing laid-back unafraid unworried
STRONG
happy untroubled
WEAK
limp limpid loose relaxed slack uncaring

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.

Not simply because it clinched a crucial win in a tense title race, or because it broke a 21-year Premier League record, but because of who scored it.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

State visits can be uncomfortable, joyful, tense and unifying - in the space of just a few days.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Sal quietly seethes with irritation at Sonny’s misbegotten machinations, his chilly demeanor suggesting a tense and potentially dangerous volatility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

However, discussions were particularly tense at the last ministerial meeting in 2024 in Abu Dhabi.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

I remembered how tense everyone had been after the news broke.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.