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Definitions

stress

[stres] / strɛs /
NOUN
emphasis
Synonyms
STRONGEST
weight
STRONG
accent accentuation beat force import importance significance urgency
Antonyms
STRONG
insignificance unimportance
WEAK
ignorance indifference relaxation
NOUN
physical or mental pressure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agony anxiety burden crunch fear hardship hassle heat intensity nervousness strain tension trauma worry
STRONG
affliction alarm albatross apprehensiveness clutch disquiet disquietude distention draw dread expectancy extension fearfulness ferment flutter force impatience misgiving mistrust oppression passion protraction pull restlessness spring stretch tautness tenseness tensity tightness traction trepidation trial urgency
WEAK
nervous tension overextension
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calmness ease happiness health help peace relief
STRONG
calm certainty confidence contentedness trust
WEAK
ignorance indifference relaxation unimportance
VERB
accentuate, emphasize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
repeat underline underscore
STRONG
accent belabor feature headline italicize spot spotlight
WEAK
dwell on harp on lay emphasis on make emphatic play up point up rub in
Antonyms
WEAK
attenuate reduce relax
VERB
put under physical or mental pressure
Synonyms
STRONG
afflict burden crunch distend force fret hassle overdo overextend pull spring strain stretch tense traumatize worry
WEAK
put in traction put on trial tense up
Antonyms
STRONG
aid calm comfort compress concentrate help placate soothe
WEAK
attenuate reduce relax

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.

A CBS News poll published Sunday revealed that worry, stress and anger far outweigh safety and confidence, when those polled were asked how they feel about the war.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

When cells experience stress, whether from environmental extremes or chemical exposure, they activate protective responses.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

He’s also fond of special teams stress tests.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

China's President Xi Jinping received Taiwan's main opposition party leader on Friday, in a rare meeting which saw both sides stress a desire for cross-strait peace.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The stress of having to follow up on my first-place finish at Trials was getting to me.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Vocabulary lists containing stress

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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Reading: Literature - Poetry - Introductory

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Reading: Literature - Poetry - Middle School

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