tense
adjective
stretched tight, as a cord, fiber, etc.; drawn taut; rigid.
tensing
-
present participleof tense.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
My muscles were tensing at the torrent of oversharing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
After a difficult doctor’s appointment with her mother recently, Thompson says she felt her whole body tensing up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 29, 2025
"Sometimes, I catch myself tensing up," Justin said.
From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2023
“I’m tensing up. There’s a lot of stuff I can do to protect myself.”
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 8, 2023
Celaena offered her a slight smile, and the princess stepped closer, her guards tensing slightly.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
