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What is another word for Tense? – 173 Tense Synonyms

    Need another word for Tense? Use these synonyms of Tense from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    strained tight rigid stiff inflexible tense taunt firm unrelaxed stiffened set fixed secure stretched extended drawn narrowed constricted contracted knotted bunched hardened tightened clamped clinched compressed compacted condensed intense anxious nervous high-strung edgy jumpy on-edge apprehensive fearful worried stressed strained uptight

    Meaning of Tense

    The primary meaning of the word "Tense" refers to a state of strain or anxiety, or a grammatical term describing the relationship between a verb's form and the time of the action it describes.

    Definitions

    • A state of strain or anxiety, typically caused by a difficult or unpleasant situation
    • A category of verbal inflection that expresses the time of action, with reference to the moment of speaking
    • The state of being stretched or strained, typically as a result of external forces or pressures

    Etymology of Tense

    The word "Tense" originates from the Old French word "tens", which is derived from the Latin word "tempus", meaning time
    The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe grammatical tense, and later expanded to describe states of strain or anxiety

    Example Uses

    • The athlete's face was tense with concentration as she prepared to compete
    • The verb "to go" has several tenses, including past, present, and future
    • The crowd was tense with anticipation as they waited for the concert to start

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    relaxed calm serene peaceful tranquil composed unruffled untroubled carefree easygoing laid-back loose slack limp soft weak gentle soothing placid quiet still stationary stagnant inactive dormant apathetic lethargic sluggish indifferent