pressure 1 of 2

noun

ˈpre-shər How to pronounce pressure (audio)
Definition of pressurenext
1
as in stress
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time a business executive who works well under pressure

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2
as in constraint
the use of power to impose one's will on another pressure from their peers can often cause teens to do things that they normally wouldn't consider

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pressure

2 of 2

verb

as in to force
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure his father pressured him to go out for the swim team

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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 pressure
Noun
Runaway federal deficits have driven long-term bond interest rates, adding pressure on AI firms already strapped with debt. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 On his lone touchdown pass, Mayfield escaped Carolina pressure, evaded to the right, and threw it on the run, off his back foot, all while leaning back. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
But Maersk warned that strong export demand was still pressuring congested ports and that intermittent delays would continue on certain trade lanes as conditions normalized. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The Ukrainian leader has pleaded with Washington to supply more Patriot air defense ammunition to stop the ballistic missiles, and to heap more sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow to pursue peace. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pressure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pressure
  1. stress
  2. constraint
  3. force
  4. strain
  5. compulsion
  6. coerce
  7. tension
  8. intimidation
Noun
  • Smiling can affect one's level of cortisol, a hormone the body releases partly to help regulate stress and mood, according to Ho.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Human rights groups have long warned of the undue stress suspects in Japan are subject to during detention, ranging from aggressive questioning tactics to the lack of access to lawyers.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • This is increasingly important as water scarcity places pressure on communities and infrastructure, even in traditionally water-secure regions, leading to restrictions and, in some cases, constraints on power generation.
    — H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Tehran fears that surrendering its maritime leverage first would invite fresh demands; Washington worries that easing pressure would reward coercion without securing lasting constraints on Iran’s nuclear program.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of constraint
Verb
  • Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The defense once again gave the offense an opportunity, forcing an Argyle punt, and this time, Heritage capitalized with a 2-yard rushing TD from Vargas to cut the lead to 7 points.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of force
Noun
  • Starting linebacker Dee Winters will miss his first game of his Cowboys career after suffering an Achilles strain in the loss to the Green Bay Packers last week.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Other drivers included grief, loneliness, relationship difficulties, work and financial strain, health concerns and major life decisions.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of strain
Noun
  • My mother bore the brunt of my compulsion, as mothers often do.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The interior drew its own grim commentary—a few guests expressed feeling a sudden compulsion to jump from the top of the spiral ramp to their death.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Verb
  • The initiative specifically targets performers who coerce visitors for cash or falsely imply that tipping is mandatory, FOX5 said.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • According to Moscow’s defense intellectuals, Russia may need to change its posture to contain this trend, including by seeking new tools to keep Europe at bay and to coerce it below the nuclear threshold.
    — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of coerce
Noun
  • Her remarks angered China and led to tensions that have spilled over into the economy.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But the precedent of past legal disputes and rising tension between the President and Reyes leave some experts wondering if this project will advance.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • The request was the latest salvo in the messy war where Ghost is suing Wilson for defamation, and Wilson is pursuing counterclaims against the producers for alleged bullying, intimidation, and breach of contract.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Galvanized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, Israeli settlers in the West Bank have recently been waging a particularly severe campaign of violence, intimidation and displacement against Palestinian communities.
    — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimidation

Phrases Containing pressure

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pressure
pressure-cook
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Cite this Entry

“Pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pressure. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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