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

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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
While not overtly hostile, a recording of the video conference obtained by ABC News shows palpable tension and some awkward exchanges, as Nevada officials seemed deeply skeptical of the claims made by DHS. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 As with his previous films, Iñárritu tells his story using scenes out of order so that the pieces fall together in a jagged form that heightens the tension. — Ray Bennett, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
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 In a lengthy chat with host Stephen Colbert, the director and actress spoke about everything from firing Shia LaBeouf to tension with star Florence Pugh to whether Harry Styles actually spit on Chris Pine. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for tension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tension
  1. pressure
  2. tense
  3. stress
  4. tighten
  5. strain
Noun
  • But economic pressure won't change Iran's negotiating positions, said Karimi, the former official.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Also, not much pressure from the Chiefs as Sam Darnold’s quick passes were often on target.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of pressure
Verb
  • Even an Impractical Joker, after hundreds of public challenges and punishments designed to push the limits of embarrassment, could still tense up when a cellphone camera caught him experimenting with a new bit.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The women tensed when the deputy warden of the Rostov jail, a curt, imperious man with a heavy-footed gait, walked in.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of tense
Noun
  • Smiling can affect one's level of cortisol, a hormone the body releases partly to help regulate stress and mood, according to Ho.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Human rights groups have long warned of the undue stress suspects in Japan are subject to during detention, ranging from aggressive questioning tactics to the lack of access to lawyers.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of stress
Verb
  • Expect more substitution too, especially if canned supplies tighten late in the season.
    — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The tightening pressure gradient between these systems will produce a prolonged period of northeast winds, pushing water toward the beaches and into the back bays.
    — Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of tighten
Noun
  • Starting linebacker Dee Winters will miss his first game of his Cowboys career after suffering an Achilles strain in the loss to the Green Bay Packers last week.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Other drivers included grief, loneliness, relationship difficulties, work and financial strain, health concerns and major life decisions.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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