tense
adjective
stretched tight, as a cord, fiber, etc.; drawn taut; rigid.
tensed
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.
When her sister, Rowe, walked in that morning, she found Waldorf with her eyes wide and glazed over, her jaw tensed.
From Salon ● May 27, 2026
Giving evidence at Liverpool Crown Court, Amaaz said he tensed up as he was grabbed by the arm and recognised it was a police officer when he turned round.
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
“I wouldn’t say we tensed up. We just didn’t execute when we needed to.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2026
It was too expensive to keep the fibers tensed all the time, plus it interfered with the electricity—but for earthquake-length bursts of time, the building and its occupants would be safe.
From Slate ● Jan. 27, 2024
They turned a corner together, crossing onto a slightly wider street, and Ekon tensed.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
