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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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

He and Bass had a tense exchange at a news conference soon after the fires, and have since clashed over immigration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Against this tense backdrop, Rome is preparing to welcome thousands of worshippers for the Easter celebrations, the most important feast in the Christian calendar, which commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Mom stares at it, and I tense up, ready for her to tell me to cross it out and write “Frankie” instead.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

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