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.

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

As a 25-year-old Boston Symphony assistant conductor, he was speaking to audiences, sharing enthusiasm that not all uptight Bostonians were quite ready for.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2025

Once the epitome of free-spirited fun, England have gradually lost their smile, not least the increasingly uptight Buttler.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2024

“Don’t be so uptight, Henry. Compared to Charlie, you're pretty vanilla.”

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson