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
Even the way my neck tensed up — I couldn’t, move my neck after some of these days because you’re straining.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 1, 2026
In a flash, she springs into action, her muscles tensed and claws unsheathed.
From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2025
Most major office buildings, include Elephant’s, had an earthquake protocol; upon detecting a quake, microfibers in the walls tensed up to enforce the structure of the building.
From Slate ● Jan. 27, 2024
She envisioned the knifelike teeth and bottlebrush tail, the way each of its black claws had curled in the earth as it tensed.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
