STRESSFUL Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

stressful

adjective

Definition of stressful

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

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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 The result is a dependable source of fresh food that helps recipients live healthier, less stressful lives. — Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Travelling can be stressful, especially around the busy holidays. — Melissa May, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Moving is a pain—expensive, stressful, and time-consuming—and landlords know it. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Doctors say nervousness and worry are both expected emotions that teenagers can commonly experience in response to stressful events of adolescence such as exams, adapting to new environments or forming friendships. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stressful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stressful

Adjective

The problem, Snegovaya said, is that achieving military autonomy for Europe and Ukraine is extremely difficult in the short term, and Europe has been slow to develop the necessary capabilities.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Past changes have pushed the glacier into a retreat that may be difficult to reverse, while new modeling suggests scientists may have underestimated how warm seawater reaches beneath it.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Thermal equilibrium might sound like a tough concept, but hundreds of systems reach them around us on a daily basis.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Either way, a spot in the round of 32 would be a just reward for a team that is unbeaten two games into what has been an extremely trying tournament off the field.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
More than half of the search-and-rescue workers who show up for the most trying missions are BUSARs.

— Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026

Definition of trying

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stresses

stressful

stressing

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“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stressful. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stressful

adjective

Example Sentences

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