tense
adjective
stretched tight, as a cord, fiber, etc.; drawn taut; rigid.
tenseness
-
a word derived from
tense.
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.
While not exactly winding down its tenseness, “Omaha” exits with some explanatory text about the origins of its narrative that will punctuate your sadness with shocks.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026
“Her physique is tightly knit, her style, although often surprisingly delicate, has a tenseness, a dynamic potential” that produces “excitement rather than unalloyed lyricism.”
From Washington Post ● Jan. 20, 2023
These incidents leave “an underlying anger and tenseness in people,” Holz says.
From Science Magazine ● Nov. 29, 2021
In a meta-analysis performed by a team led by psychologist Bella DePaulo, 14 of 50 nonverbal characteristics were observed to be more frequently associated with lying, most especially dilated pupils and tenseness.
From Scientific American ● Feb. 9, 2021
Alfred felt the tenseness in Donatelli's arm, pressed against his own, and the ice ball grew larger and colder.
From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte
