uptight

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.

So says Leslie Fremar, outing herself as the real-life inspiration for Emily, the uptight first assistant to fictional magazine editor Miranda Priestly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Sean Penn, Hollywood's eternal rebel, on Sunday won a third Oscar for his comic yet terrifying portrayal of an absurdly uptight soldier ashamed of his past in "One Battle After Another."

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

The depictions of Ruth’s uptight and stingy brother Hyacinth and jealous and mother-in-law from hell “old Mrs. Hall” are both hoots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

He would have probably been more restrained and uptight if it hadn't been Levy asking the questions.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025

“Haven’t you read Jane Austen? English people are more uptight than us, not less.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson