stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
Synonyms of stressfulnext
: full of or tending to induce stress
stressfully
ˈstres-fə-lē How to pronounce stressful (audio)
adverb

Examples of stressful in a Sentence

I had a stressful day at work today.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At its core, the trend is powered by taking comfort in a stressful world. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 These demands can become expensive, stressful, or embarrassing for victims, who, in desperation, turn to the internet for help. — Kim Key, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 If all of this sounds stressful, then the first-gen foldable life might not be for you. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stressful

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressful was in 1846

Rhymes for stressful

See All Rhymes for stressful

Browse Nearby Words

stress fracture
stressful
stressfully
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stressful

adjective
stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or tending to cause stress
stressfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce stressful (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

stressful

adjective
stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or subject to stress
stressful situations
stressfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce stressful (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on stressful

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stressful

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