as in difficult
full of or causing stress; making you feel worried or anxious
I had a stressful day at work today. a stressful situation
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Recent Examples of stressful
Flying during the summer travel season can sometimes be a stressful experience, but one viral video revealed the extreme difficulty some travelers are having.
—
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025
The baddies are demanding valuables hidden in the family safe, roping wedding guests like Ryan’s hunky best man Chris (Justin Hartley) into the stressful situation.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 June 2025
But not being able to contact those detained is stressful, said Carlos Gonzalez.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
An award-winning toy creator and a doctor have teamed up to launch a new company that manufactures products designed to make health care less scary for little kids, and less stressful for parents.
—Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stressful
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025
The baddies are demanding valuables hidden in the family safe, roping wedding guests like Ryan’s hunky best man Chris (Justin Hartley) into the stressful situation.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 June 2025
But not being able to contact those detained is stressful, said Carlos Gonzalez.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
An award-winning toy creator and a doctor have teamed up to launch a new company that manufactures products designed to make health care less scary for little kids, and less stressful for parents.
—Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stressful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stressful
Adjective
-
This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
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As civil war looms, their lives intertwine through unlikely alliances and emotional entanglements, until war and betrayal force difficult choices.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits.—
Mara Santilli,
SELF,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Doing the right thing is the right way to inoculate your business against exogenous events, while positioning your brand for sustainable growth in even the most trying of times.—
Michael Ringman,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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These past few weeks have been a very trying time for Who fans.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stressful. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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