tense
adjective
stretched tight, as a cord, fiber, etc.; drawn taut; rigid.
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 I’m frustrated and my eyes roll and my voice tenses, they feel that,” he said.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
Mr. Drout analyzes with clarity and humor Tolkien’s fascination with Finnish grammar, the distinctive ways he uses pronouns and the particular verb tenses he favors.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025
As the ants start to attack, the larva tenses its muscles and expels a drop of bright red fluid known as hemolymph.
From Science Magazine ● Mar. 15, 2024
Viramontes’ prose jumps between tenses, perspectives and styles so much you find yourself reading each story multiple times — to understand it but also to sit in awe of her gorgeous dexterity.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 11, 2023
But it takes time to match every noun and verb, sort all the tenses, remember all the articles, set the tone for every s.
From "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai
