1
as in pressure
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time
with a full-time job and her college courses, the young woman is under a lot of stress right now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in emphasis
a special notice or importance given to something
the company's orientation program places considerable stress on workplace safety
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety
the restaurant manager has a tendency to stress about every little thing that goes wrong
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to emphasize
to make more apparent
his bad performance only stressed what I'd been saying all along
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
the doctor stressed the importance of exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 stress
Andy Behrens, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Ashwagandha, for example, is one of the most studied adaptogens for reducing cortisol and improving the body’s stress response.
—Rita Templeton, Flow Space, 30 Mar. 2026
Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Many also encouraged people to vote in the upcoming mid-term elections, stressing that the people voted into public office are key to effectuating change.
—Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stress
Noun
Lucas Erceg converted a low-stress save opportunity for Kansas City the following night.
—Andy Behrens, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Ashwagandha, for example, is one of the most studied adaptogens for reducing cortisol and improving the body’s stress response.
—Rita Templeton, Flow Space, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
Drought on its own already stresses water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems.
—Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Many also encouraged people to vote in the upcoming mid-term elections, stressing that the people voted into public office are key to effectuating change.
—Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stress
Noun
-
Lago explained in a March 10 meeting that the fee would make required maintenance cheaper and easier for business owners, while letting the city manage sidewalk pressure-cleaning and repairs, landscaping and streetscape upkeep to clean and beautify the city.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Geopolitical shifts compound these pressures.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Along with the staff changes and reshuffles, station owner Saul Levine says to expect more classic country within the broadcast day, focusing on the ‘90s and ‘00s, with an extra emphasis on female artists that Levine feels don’t get enough respect.—
Richard Wagoner,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Today’s popular tablescape often resembles an expensive country retreat, with an emphasis on rustic materials like stoneware and hand-turned wood.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Hernandez said he was encouraged by recent meetings with Republican members of Congress from his home state, Florida, but worries other priorities will drown out the bill, as has happened in the past.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Ajmera said her neighbors worry the center could impact their water bills or introduce loud humming noises to the largely residential area.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Not long after October 7th, on a Zoom call with more than a hundred influential figures in Hollywood, Brous emphasized her profound sympathy for Israelis; two board members at her synagogue had relatives in Israel who’d been killed or kidnapped by Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Writers said the article emphasized findings that were subjective and susceptible to bias.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Photos highlight artist performances, fan reactions and standout moments from the Main Stage, Worldwide Stage, Megastructure, The Cove, Live Stage, UMF Radio and Oasis, with major sets from Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Carl Cox, Armin Van Buuren and others drawing some of the day’s biggest crowds.—
Miami Herald newsroom,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Welcome to the Friday, March 27, 2026, private school baseball and softball edition of the Fastball, a Star-Telegram series highlighting Fort Worth-area teams.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Williams, an All-Star in 2025, has missed 27 games this season because of a right hamstring strain.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Even as prices rise, demand remains steady and drivers continue to feel the strain.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Oftentimes, exhibits—which range in focus from a specific artist to a historical period to a thematic thread—can displace the permanent collection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
March 21 – April 19 Aries, your focus sharpens around practical moves.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The nurses hope high-profile government campaigns like the measles effort will reinforce the importance of vaccines in the public mind.—
Katie Silver,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Its global reach, omnichannel capabilities, and secure end-to-end solutions create high switching costs for multinational clients, reinforcing its competitive moat.—
Justin Zacks,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stress. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
