stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
Synonyms of stressfulnext
: full of or tending to induce stress
stressfully 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.
That predictability can be comforting, especially during stressful moments when expensive and complicated emergencies arise. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 Getting behind on bills is stressful for many, especially when bills pile up and calls from collectors start coming in. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026 Friends Help Us Engage Work can be stressful or demanding. Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 And wildfires can also be extremely stressful—an experience that may have also played a role. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

stressful

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

Medical Definition

stressful

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stressful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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