Answer:

tautly

Answer	Crossword Clue
TAUTLY	How tense words are spoken
TAUTLY	In a tense manner
TAUTLY	Without any slack

TAUTLY	With great tension
TAUTLY	Without slack
TAUTLY	Not loosely
TAUTLY	How bowstrings are strung

Crossword

a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.