uptight

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.

Sean Penn, Hollywood's eternal rebel, on Sunday won a third Oscar for his comic yet terrifying portrayal of an absurdly uptight soldier ashamed of his past in "One Battle After Another."

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

The depictions of Ruth’s uptight and stingy brother Hyacinth and jealous and mother-in-law from hell “old Mrs. Hall” are both hoots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

“We are three extremely exhausted dads in our 30s,” replies the uptight one, “how epic could it be?”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

I've worked so hard to be in these positions, the last thing I'm going to do is get uptight about it.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

“Aunt Jo. Say it just like that. Let the words slide out and don’t be so uptight about it. It’s just English, not too complicated.”

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi