Collocations for "tension"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "tension" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
tension
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- the [rope, wire, line] has too much tension in it
- there is too much tension in the [rope]
- feel the tension (in the rope)
- [increase, decrease] the tension (in)
- make sure there is enough tension (before)
- the surface tension of [water]
- to [break, lower] the surface tension
- the tension between two opposing [forces, plates]
- could feel the tension in the [room, crowd, stadium]
- the [room] was full of tension
- to try to break the tension in the [room]
- is a lot of tension between [the two of them, China and the US]
- to [ease, lessen] the tension (between)
- caused tension (between)
- is the cause of the tension (between)
- a lot of tension at [work, school, home]
- figurative: could cut the tension with a knife
- tension has increased [along, at] the border
- is a lot of sexual tension between [them]
- racial tensions are running high (again)
- [have, carry] a lot of tension in your [back, shoulders]
- [neck, back] tension
- massage the tension out of your [muscles, back, shoulders]
- to (help) release (the) tension (in)
- [can, may] help relieve the tension
- a tension headache
'tension' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):