Synonyms of distressful

distressful

adjective

di-ˈstres-fəl 

1

as in uneasy

marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings

the distressful period during which we waited to learn who had made the cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

• uneasy
• disturbing
• tense
• anxious
• unsettling
• nervous
• distressing
• restless
• unnerving
• creepy
• disquieting
• worrisome
• fraught
• embarrassing
• agitating
• nerve-racking
• hairy
• troublesome
• nail-biting
• strained
• awkward
• bothersome
• discouraging
• foreboding
• disheartening
• unrestful
• restive
• misgiving

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• peaceful
• comfortable
• tranquil
• quiet
• calming
• restful
• quieting
• pacific

2

as in tragic

of a kind to cause great distress

the distressful living conditions in the refugee camp

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tragic
• unfortunate
• terrible
• distressing
• regrettable
• painful
• horrible
• deplorable
• disturbing
• lamentable
• grievous
• shocking
• sad
• dire
• woeful
• unlucky
• unsettling
• heartbreaking
• awful
• troublesome
• dreadful
• fearful
• miserable
• disastrous
• sickening
• traumatic
• heartrending
• pitiful
• severe
• unbearable
• vexatious
• piteous
• doleful
• wretched
• alarming
• poignant
• overwhelming
• horrifying
• intolerable
• crushing
• harrowing
• touching
• moving
• affecting
• excruciating
• calamitous
• perturbing
• ruthful
• sharp
• raging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rewarding
• gratifying
• satisfying
• pleasing
• comforting
• encouraging
• heartening
• inspiring
• happy
• fortunate
• lucky
• heartwarming
• cheering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of distressful

And yet behind the distressful scene, a young man continues to butcher an animal. — Kaely Monahan, The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 2024

Despite the distressful news of Houston’s death that day, the event went forward to create a space for guests to mourn. — Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 2 Feb. 2024