on tenterhooks

ADJECTIVE

agog

Synonyms

WEAK

anxious avid breathless eager enthusiastic excited expectant impatient in suspense

ADJECTIVE

expectant

Synonyms

WEAK

alert anticipative anxious apprehensive awaiting breathless eager expecting hopeful hoping in suspense looking for on edge prepared raring ready vigilant waiting waiting on watchful with bated breath

ADJECTIVE

ill at ease

Synonyms

WEAK

anxious apprehensive awkward discomfited disquieted disturbed doubtful edgy faltering fidgety hesitant insecure nervous on edge on pins and needles out of place restless self-conscious shy suspicious tense uncomfortable uneasy unrelaxed unsettled unsure

Antonyms

WEAK

at ease comfortable content

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.

As a way to find joy, she said, in a time when news and world events have us all on tenterhooks.

From The Wall Street Journal

"What has been set back is any meaningful transition to somewhere better, such as Gaza's rehabilitation and rebuilding. Whilst the ceasefire may survive, it will remain on tenterhooks," he said.

From BBC

Everything from gun violence to anti-Semitism is putting Americans on tenterhooks, according to the consultancy's Dominic Volek.

From BBC

"We were on tenterhooks in the sale room, it just kept going and going, it was wonderful, truly wonderful," said Jennifer Tonkin of auctioneers Bonhams.

From BBC

The pair are viewed as potential 2028 presidential candidates, but the California political world is also waiting on tenterhooks to see if Harris enters California’s 2026 race for governor – a move that would almost certainly preclude a 2028 presidential bid.

From Los Angeles Times

on tenterhooks

Example Sentences

Related Words