tension 1 of 2

noun

ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce tension (audio)
Definition of tensionnext
as in pressure
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time under a lot of tension right now about her decision not to go to college

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tension

2 of 2

verb

as in to tense

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tension
Noun
Researchers used devices that tracked heart rate variability, muscle tension, skin temperature and brain activity, so patients could learn to consciously influence processes once thought to be automatic. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 Over in the geopolitical front, fresh escalating tensions draw concern as Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, prompting Poland to scramble jets while Finland restricted airspace. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Verb
The motors can tension the tendons, allowing the hand to absorb violent shocks. — IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2011 In terms of speech, this means the neurons needed to convert the desire to say a word into the muscle activity needed to control the mouth and tongue, expel sufficient breath, and tension the vocal cords. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, 20 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for tension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tension
  1. pressure
  2. tense
  3. stress
  4. tighten
  5. strain
Noun
  • These episodes have been triggered by intense heat domes — stubborn areas of high pressure that lock hot air in place — and are clearly supercharged by global warming, experts say.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Even as the communist country proposes reforms, the United States continues a pressure campaign, ramping up economic sanctions and maintaining an oil embargo that has plunged much of the island into darkness.
    — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of pressure
Verb
  • Ewing has recognized his shoulders tensing and his upper body going stiff.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026
  • Be a good child, do what they’re told, be the best child, a tremble in their hands, say nothing, tensed for the knock on the door.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Definition of tense
Noun
  • The offer comes amid a period of stress for the global aviation sector, as airlines navigate a jet fuel squeeze caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Its receptors can be activated by external opioids such as morphine, but also natural ones – the endorphins produced by the brain to relieve pain and stress.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
Definition of stress
Verb
  • The push for community solar in Boise comes amid growing restrictions on renewable energy across Ada County, where commissioners voted last year to dramatically tighten rules on where large-scale solar panel arrays can be built.
    — Matan Josephy, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
  • Plus, glycerin, collagen, and niacinamide to tighten fine lines, improve firmness, and restore hydration, so the skin looks plump and supple.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Definition of tighten
Noun
  • Farmer, who had a right forearm strain, went 2-for-20 with a home run at Columbus while getting reps at catcher.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • After missing a month recovering due to a left hamstring strain and being activated off the IL on Monday, Hernández had been searching for an impact moment.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of strain

Browse Nearby Words

tensing
tension
tensioned
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Cite this Entry

“Tension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tension. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tension

Nglish: Translation of tension for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tension

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