as in difficult
full of or causing stress; making you feel worried or anxious
I had a stressful day at work today. a stressful situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stressful
Pregnancy and labor can be a stressful time for a cat, and being proactive in seeking care can ensure the best outcome for both her and her kittens.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Today’s setup, with competing priorities, leads directly to the problems passengers face every day: confusing signs, difficulty transferring between trains, schedules that don’t line up, and a generally stressful experience.
—Robert Previdi, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
For people with food allergies, even a simple dinner out can become stressful.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
An emotional outburst during the moon’s clash with Mars adds stress to an already stressful situation.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stressful
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Today’s setup, with competing priorities, leads directly to the problems passengers face every day: confusing signs, difficulty transferring between trains, schedules that don’t line up, and a generally stressful experience.
—Robert Previdi, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
For people with food allergies, even a simple dinner out can become stressful.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
An emotional outburst during the moon’s clash with Mars adds stress to an already stressful situation.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stressful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stressful
Adjective
-
The Whitecaps won games in Mexico, which is difficult to do.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The task for Denver tonight will be that much more difficult if Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder) is unavailable or limited.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
On the other side, the Grizzlies had an even tougher time with Curry, who finished with 52 points on 16-of-31 shooting.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There also is a rather sketchy guy named The Bear (Jon Bernthal), who owes Charlie for his help during one very trying time in his time at the agency.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2025
-
This period in local history is arguably one of the most trying times for the people who lived in McLeod County and Minnesota as a whole.—
Kay Johnson,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stressful. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share