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.
River, stream, lake, ocean, or pond–Southerners know that sometimes the best balm for a fraught mind or stressful season is a quick trip to the nearest body of water. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 The classic white color will go with just about anything in my closet, and the soft cotton fabric looks incredibly cozy for long, stressful workdays. Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Common skin changes in the cooler months Sure, the heat has chilled out, literally and figuratively, but cold, dry weather can be just as stressful for your skin. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 May 2026 The Thanksgiving episode is a stressful one for Tucker. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 24 May. 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

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