pressing

adjective

press·​ing ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
Synonyms of pressingnext
1
: urgently important : critical
a pressing issue
2
pressingly adverb

Examples of pressing in a Sentence

a pressing need for reform she had pressing business on the other side of town
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.
Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm. Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 For teams whose game plans depend on speed, relentless pressing or high-intensity transitions, excessive heat changes the game entirely. Carlos Roa, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 The most pressing concern about him was the need to add strength to a slim frame to handle the physical play at the next level. CBS News, 24 June 2026 Much of the recent public discussion related to the grid has centered on the need to build more generating capacity quickly, a pressing and persistent need. David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pressing

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressing was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Pressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressing. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

pressing

adjective
press·​ing ˈpres-iŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
: needing one's immediate attention
a pressing issue
pressingly adverb

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