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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

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

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

Dad’s body is tense, like he’s preparing for an epic battle, not reuniting with his sister.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller