Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for stressful.
Definitions

stressful

[stres-fuhl] / ˈstrɛs fəl /
ADJECTIVE
nerve-racking
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoying trying
WEAK
aggravating disquieting disturbing exasperating irksome irritating maddening taxing tense upsetting
ADJECTIVE
on edge
Synonyms
WEAK
agitated anxious apprehensive beside oneself bundle of nerves edgy excited fidgety high-strung hyper impatient in a tizzy jittery jumpy nerve-racking nervous nervous wreck overanxious restless unnerved uptight wired worried wound-up
ADJECTIVE
taxing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demanding disturbing onerous tedious troublesome trying
STRONG
enervating exacting punishing sapping tiring wearing
WEAK
difficult exigent grievous heavy oppressive tough wearisome weighty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
easy facile trivial
WEAK
untroubling
ADJECTIVE
tense
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agitated anxious apprehensive edgy excited jittery nervous restive shaky strained uneasy
STRONG
choked clutched concerned moved moving shot unnerved wired worried worrying wreck
WEAK
beside oneself bundle of nerves fidgety fluttery high-strung hung up hyper in a tizzy jumpy nerve-racking nervous wreck on edge overanxious overwrought queasy restless shot to pieces strung-out unquiet up the wall uptight white knuckled wound-up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm composed easygoing laid-back unafraid unworried
STRONG
happy untroubled
WEAK
limp limpid loose relaxed slack uncaring
ADJECTIVE
trying
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arduous demanding irritating strenuous taxing tricky troublesome upsetting vexing
STRONG
aggravating annoying exacting exasperating fatiguing rough
WEAK
exigent hard irksome onerous oppressive pestilent provocative severe sticky tight tiresome tough wearisome weighty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
easy facile
WEAK
mild moderate unstressful

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.

In those settings, microbes could rely on sunlight for energy and avoid animals that would otherwise consume them, especially during stressful periods or after mass extinctions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

That desire may be heightened when "social platforms also give us access to horrifying, stressful, violent, and overall negative experiences", she added.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Many autistic people require additional time to process verbal information, particularly in stressful or overwhelming situations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

So it’s important to build some structure around how much time and energy you give someone navigating a stressful milestone.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

“Things have been stressful, with selling the house and the move. Your dad’s job search,” Mom says.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.