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Definition of tense : 1. One of the forms which a verb takes by inflection or by adding auxiliary words, so as to indicate the time of the action or event signified; the modification which verbs undergo for the indication of time.
2. Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as, a tense fiber.

Synonyms:

excited, strained, constricted, nervy, aroused, filter out, anxious, twitchy, stress, tense up, pumped, filtrate, sieve, sift, suspenseful, high-strung, jittery, strive, skittish, tauten, drawn, uptight, separate out, isotonic, jumpy, unconcerned, strain, nervous, restive, agitated, deform, puree, overstrung, electric, suspensive, nail-biting, pumped-up, restless, unrelaxed, try, reach, extend, fidgety, cliff-hanging, edgy, in suspense, highly strung, wound up, filter, calm, wired, distort

conflicting, dissonant, rioting, hostile, squabbling, colliding, cacophonous, dissenting, raucous, antagonistic, rowing, differing, dissident, contentious, bickering, feuding, clamoring, loath, disharmonious, clashing, discordant, warring, brawling, antipathetic, harsh

stiffen, tighten

stiff, secure, taut, tight, rigid, snug, firm, dense

Usage examples:

• He rubbed his eyes and then sat bolt upright, with a tense searching look, as though trying to pierce to the truth of things by a violence of staring. - "The Soul of the War", Philip Gibbs.
• But his mind was tense and anxious. - "Man of Many Minds", E. Everett Evans.
• Hushed, she sat tense, her eyes never moving from his face. - "The Everlasting Whisper", Jackson Gregory.