Tension — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈten(t)-shən/ ten·sion

Meaning & Definition of Tension

Tension (noun)

  1. inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion
  2. a state of latent hostility or opposition between individuals or groups
  3. a balance maintained in an artistic work between opposing forces or elements

Tension (verb)

  1. to subject to tension; especially, to tighten to a desired or appropriate degree

Tension (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time

    "under a lot of tension right now about her decision not to go to college"

    similar: pressure, strain, stress
    related: load, weight, anxiety, concern, uneasiness, worry, aggravation, anger, annoyance, exasperation, irritation, persecution, trouble
    near: comfort, consolation

Tension (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in stretch, tighten

    similar: strain, stretch, tense, tighten, attach, bind, fasten, tie, constrain, restrain
    opposite: ease, loosen, relax, slack, slacken, detach, free, unbind, undo, unfasten, untie

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Tension

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tension:

pressure, strain, stress, stretch, tense, tighten, attach, bind, fasten, tie, constrain, restrain

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Tension

Words with the opposite meaning of Tension:

ease, loosen, relax, slack, slacken, detach, free, unbind, undo, unfasten, untie

Related Words for Tension

load, weight, anxiety, concern, uneasiness, worry, aggravation, anger, annoyance, exasperation, irritation, persecution, trouble

Near Antonyms of Tension

comfort, consolation

Word Forms of Tension

Inflections: tensioned, tensioning

Derived words: tensional (adjective), tensionless (adjective), tensioner (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Tension

borrowed from Middle French and Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin tensiōn-, tensiō "process of drawing tight, constriction, spasm," from tendere "to extend outward, stretch, draw tight" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action tender:3

First known use: 1533

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Tension

Words & Phrases Containing Tension

tension headache, high-tension, surface tension, premenstrual tension

Frequently Asked Questions about Tension

What does "Tension" mean?

"Tension" means inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Tension"?

Other words for "Tension" include pressure, strain, stress, stretch, tense, tighten, attach and bind. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Tension" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Tension"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Tension". Common alternatives include pressure, strain, stress, stretch, tense, tighten, attach, bind, fasten and tie.

What is the opposite of "Tension"?

Antonyms of "Tension" include ease, loosen, relax, slack, slacken, detach, free and unbind. Near antonyms include comfort and consolation.

How do you use "Tension" in a sentence?

Examples of "Tension" in a sentence: "under a lot of tension right now about her decision not to go to college".

Is "Tension" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tension" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Tension" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Tension" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Tension"?

"Tension" is pronounced /ˈten(t)-shən/ and divided into syllables as ten·sion.