1
as in stress
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time
a business executive who works well under pressure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in constraint
the use of power to impose one's will on another
pressure from their peers can often cause teens to do things that they normally wouldn't consider
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to force
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
his father pressured him to go out for the swim team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pressure
Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
While the California initiative to make billionaires pay a one-time 5% tax on any net worth exceeding $1 billion has yet to collect enough signatures to appear on the November ballot, real estate companies in Florida say the pressure is making Californians consider moving to the Sunshine State.
—Elaine Mallon, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026
Tim Rohan, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Debt concerns linger However, while most analysts agree on the boost to equities, some warned that heavier spending could pressure bonds and raise bond yields.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pressure
Noun
President Zelensky said the attack demonstrates diplomacy cannot end the war without sustained international pressure and binding security guarantees for Ukraine.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
While the California initiative to make billionaires pay a one-time 5% tax on any net worth exceeding $1 billion has yet to collect enough signatures to appear on the November ballot, real estate companies in Florida say the pressure is making Californians consider moving to the Sunshine State.
—Elaine Mallon, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
But playing from behind, Maye was forced to throw, and the Seahawks continued to pressure him, which led to turnovers on back-to-back possessions.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Debt concerns linger However, while most analysts agree on the boost to equities, some warned that heavier spending could pressure bonds and raise bond yields.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pressure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pressure
Noun
-
Despite their winter-ready build, these booties are surprisingly lightweight, thanks to the ultralight medium-density midsole that reduces stress on your feet while still slipping seamlessly into your suitcase without sacrificing suitcase space.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Coffee can reduce inflammation, blood pressure and oxidative stress (the last of which can lead to cell and tissue damage), thus helpfully impacting many of the physical signs of aging, Kao said.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Experts point to restricted access to advanced chips and limited capital as lingering constraints.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Shein says Iran may be stalling diplomatically to see whether Washington limits talks to nuclear issues while avoiding missile constraints.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The defense forced three turnovers, Jason Myers kicked a Super Bowl-record five field goals, and running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards to earn most valuable player as the Seahawks finished the season with 10 consecutive victories.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This has disrupted standing deployment plans, scrambled ships to sail thousands of miles and put increasing strain on vessels and equipment that are already facing mounting maintenance issues.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
And the Lakers had to play OKC with their own MVP candidate, Luka Doncic, sitting out for the second straight game with a left hamstring strain.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Within a week, the compulsions disappeared.—
J. Aaron Sanders,
STAT,
4 Feb. 2026
-
James, not unlike his alcoholic father, is at the mercy of his compulsions.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The intelligence reports warn that 764 and its many offshoots have expanded into a transnational, online network that glorifies violence and tries to coerce people, often minors, to hurt themselves or others.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Criminals usually target people who have publicly boasted about their crypto winnings, and physically coerce them to give up their Bitcoin key.—
Carlos Garcia,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
India and Beijing had summit-level engagement despite enduring border tensions along the Himalayan frontier.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The House announcement Thursday afternoon caught the Senate off guard, forcing its leaders to scramble to release their version of the state budget Friday and causing some obvious tension between the two chambers reminiscent of last year’s disputes over tax plans and budget priorities.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Several people described it as an act of intimidation.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
6 Feb. 2026
-
In Accra, Sweetpea is punched in the face by a man in a public restroom in an intimidation attempt to get her off Tender’s tail.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pressure. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
