Definitions

pressing

[pres-ing] / ˈprɛs ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

important; urgent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acute compelling critical crucial demanding dire immediate imperative insistent serious vital

STRONG

burning claiming constraining crying distressing exacting forcing instant obliging requiring

WEAK

clamant clamorous exigent heat-on high-priority hurry-up importunate life-and-death

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dull inessential optional trivial uncritical unimportant

WEAK

insignificant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is becoming a pressing problem for Europe, which is facing increased vulnerability as the U.S. begins pulling military assets out of the region.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The more pressing question—whether women currently in their 20s and 30s will end up with fewer children than their mothers—remains unanswered.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

“What is already clear, is that this election has been shaped by the pressing and undeniable concerns of the people of Los Angeles.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Besides, investors have more pressing areas to focus on.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

When I was older, I joined Margaret in the valet shop, doing work like unpacking the guests’ trunks and pressing their clothes, as well as babysitting their children.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Vocabulary lists containing pressing

Trash

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Lesson 11

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Important

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!