as in urgent
needing immediate attention
she had pressing business on the other side of town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in seizing
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
the fleeing bank robber pressed a nearby taxi into service as a getaway car
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in shoving
to push steadily against with some force
an old doorbell that requires you to press the button hard
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in squeezing
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of
my family will only drink juice from freshly pressed oranges
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in huddling
to gather into a closely packed group
everyone pressed around me to see the pictures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in forcing
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
a manager pressed by a business crisis to return from his vacation ahead of schedule
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in urging
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
pressed us to go with them to the school board meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in highlighting
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
an office e-mail that presses the need for greater vigilance concerning building security
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pressing
Susan M. Doyle, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
Classical Christian Education distinguishes itself by delivering a holistic approach to critical thinking and character development, demonstrating how ancient pedagogical wisdom can be recalibrated to meet the most pressing challenges of the 21st-century workforce.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025
Those two pressing matters have put talks with IndyCar for a 2026 event on pause as the promoters wait to see if Mexico City has an appetite and ability to afford multiple racing series.
—Jenna Fryer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pressing
Adjective
Together, Carroll Hospital and the Carroll County Health Department created The Partnership to help our neighbors live healthier lives — through community outreach, health education and a shared commitment to addressing the most pressing needs in our county.
—Susan M. Doyle, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
Classical Christian Education distinguishes itself by delivering a holistic approach to critical thinking and character development, demonstrating how ancient pedagogical wisdom can be recalibrated to meet the most pressing challenges of the 21st-century workforce.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Dishwasher Is Starting to Rust Rust is never a good sign, but a few specks of rust on the outside of the dishwasher might not be a pressing issue that needs to be dealt with immediately.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025
Those two pressing matters have put talks with IndyCar for a 2026 event on pause as the promoters wait to see if Mexico City has an appetite and ability to afford multiple racing series.
—Jenna Fryer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pressing
Adjective
-
This highlights the urgent need for tailored marketing support.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The net result is a flurry of headlines and viral social media posts followed by an urgent platform update.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The agency recalled that between 2022 and 2024, around 60% of annual admissions for severe acute malnutrition occurred during the rainy season, meaning that up to 462,000 children could be affected this year if the trend holds.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The acute need for companies with this level of in-depth warmth and empathy for their clients drives ITS to expand its horizon.—
William Mullane,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pressing. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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