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.
Positive reviews often highlight the professionalism and compassion of the staff during stressful financial moments. Nick Perry, USA Today, 2 July 2026 According to the marine science center, Wilbur did not have identification tags, and, following the stressful ordeal, officials decided not to tag her. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 The findings reveal that the happiest jobs aren’t necessarily the least stressful. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Learning that an estate may not have enough assets to pay every creditor can be stressful, but that doesn't necessarily mean surviving relatives become responsible for those balances. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 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 4 Jul. 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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