Synonyms for

Tense

Verb / tens / Another word for tense — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Tense means anxious or nervous, or it can refer to a verb form that shows the time of an action or event.

Synonyms & similar words

tenseup lax relax unstrain strain relaxed anxious nervous edgy uptight apprehensive jittery restless uneasy worried stressed strained taut rigid stiff hard firm contracted concentrated tight

Synonyms by register

Formal

anxious strained apprehensive agitated

Informal

uptight on edge stressed out wound up

Literary

rigid fevered tight-strung

Antonyms

relaxed calm loose at ease unworried peaceful laid-back

Common collocations

  • tense muscles
  • tense situation
  • tense atmosphere
  • tense moment
  • tense up
  • tense relationship
  • tense silence

Word family

noun tension
verb tense
adjective tense

Usage note

As an adjective, 'tense' describes a state of anxiety or nervousness. As a verb, it means to become or make something tight or strained.

Example sentences

  1. I always feel tense before a big performance.
  2. She was too tense to sleep.
  3. The situation was so tense that we were afraid to move.
  4. He tenses his muscles before lifting weights.
  5. The cat's body became tense as it prepared to pounce.

Quotes

  • The only way to get rid of my fears is to make films about them.
  • I always get very tense when I think about my future.
  • There is a certain point in life when you have to stop blaming other people for how you feel or the misfortunes in your life. You can't go through life obsessing about what might have been.

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