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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Carolina linebacker Bobby Okereke sacked McKee on the game’s first play from scrimmage, and the Panthers kept the pressure up in what was a rockfight of a game. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026 But right behind him was right tackle Matt McCoy, who allowed five pressures. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
These factors, along with higher inflation and rising interest rates, could pressure the market and the economy. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Prosecutors say their detention was viewed by senior Venezuelan officials as a means of pressuring Washington. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 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
  • Running stress trials Safety agencies require strict experimental proof before licensing advanced reactor designs.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The ongoing legal troubles compounded the stress the Hollywood couple was already dealing with and things almost took a really wrong turn, Mangianello admits.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 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
  • Andrey Khrzhanovskiy, a blogger who filmed the assault, said the settlers beat Levine with sticks while the journalists and villagers were forced to retreat.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Trump repeatedly leaned on Thune to kill the filibuster in order to pass it, and other senators wanted Thune to try to force Democrats to pull off a talking filibuster to block the bill.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of force
Noun
  • Vocals strain at the center of the songs while lonesome organs burn around the margins like the argon glow of a street-sign montage.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The Heat also didn’t have Pelle Larsson (illness) and Dru Smith (right calf strain) on Friday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of strain
Noun
  • 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
  • Under state law, lack of consent generally must be shown through forcible compulsion or a clear expression of nonconsent.
    — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of compulsion
Verb
  • Terry Kay liked to tell the story of how he was coerced into writing his first novel by Pat Conroy, who told his literary agent Kay had written a brilliant manuscript.
    — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike an appeal, the post-conviction process allows a petitioner to introduce new information, such as new allegations or evidence that their attorney coerced or threatened them.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 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 couple was charged last week with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Cases can be delayed with different tactics, including intimidation, corruption and procedural mistakes that can reduce charges or even lead to acquittals, said Carole Grace Mbarga, a Cameroonian rights activist.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimidation

Phrases Containing pressure

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pressmen
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 22 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pressure

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