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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.

The myth loomed large, but it was past tense -- until now.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

At the pumps, the mood was tense as customers watched the fuel counter tick up, sometimes pulling out the nozzle before the satisfying “ca-chunk” that indicates a full tank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“We all need to be loose tonight and not be as tense and uptight.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

But according to the Paris police department, in "an international and national context which is particularly tense" the gathering was "exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Lala and Ama exchange tense stares for a moment before the former bows.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer