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creative tension

British  

noun

  1. a situation where disagreement or discord ultimately gives rise to better ideas or outcomes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

“Flash” doesn’t conventionally succeed but Beck’s playing on the record is invigorating, cutting through the computerized murk and revealing the secret to his art: He benefited from creative tension.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2023

To do things that are really differentiated, you need to have creative tension and creative conflict.

From The Verge • May 3, 2022

The creative tension was irresistible: Win, or leave town.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 28, 2021

In fact, the creative tension that arises from the confluence of both competition and cooperation is itself a driving force of evolution.

From Salon • May 30, 2021

This is what might be called creative tension.

From Herein is Love A Study of the Biblical Doctrine of Love in Its Bearing on Personality, Parenthood, Teaching, and All Other Human Relationships. by Howe, Reuel L.