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Definitions

high-pressure

[hahy-presh-er] / ˈhaɪˈprɛʃ ər /
VERB
coerce
Synonyms
STRONGEST
browbeat bully intimidate repress strong-arm suppress terrorize
STRONG
beset bulldoze concuss constrain cow dragoon drive force hinder impel make menace oblige pressurize push restrict threaten urge
WEAK
lean on make an offer they can't refuse put the squeeze on shotgun twist one's arm
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow encourage help let go
STRONG
aid assist discourage dissuade free halt release repress stop suppress
WEAK
leave alone
VERB
lobby
Synonyms
STRONGEST
campaign for persuade politick press promote push request solicit sway urge
STRONG
advance affect alter bill billboard boost change drum further hype induce influence modify pitch plug pressure procure sell soft-soap splash spot sweet-talk thump
WEAK
bring pressure to bear build up exert influence hard sell make a pitch for pull strings put pressure on sell on soft-sell solicit votes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dissuade leave alone pull repress suppress
STRONG
continue decrease halt hinder keep prevent remain stop
VERB
push
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accelerate bump depress drive force launch move nudge pressure propel shift shove
STRONG
budge bulldoze butt crowd dig elbow exert gore hustle impel jam jostle muscle poke railroad ram shoulder squash squeeze squish steamroll stir strain strong-arm
WEAK
bear down crush against lie on make one's way pour it on put the arm on rest on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dissuade hinder hold keep remain retard stop
STRONG
calm delay laze leave alone rest slow uncompress wait
WEAK
conceal hide pull repress suppress
ADJECTIVE
passionate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ardent dramatic eager eloquent emotional expressive fervent fierce fiery forceful heartfelt heated impassioned intense poignant spirited strong vehement violent zealous
WEAK
affecting animated blazing burning deep fervid flaming frenzied glowing headlong high-powered hot hot-blooded impetuous impulsive inspiring melodramatic moving precipitate quickened steamed up stimulated stirring thrilling warm wild
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathetic calm cold cool dispassionate dispirited dull feeble gentle impassive indifferent lethargic meek mild moderate passive peaceful unconcerned unenthusiastic unexcited weak
WEAK
frigid happy uncaring unpassionate

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.

The stress of our high-pressure careers has left both my wife and me completely miserable.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

His high-pressure defense pushed the Huskers to a 26-6 record.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

He presented the vast military buildup in the Persian Gulf as a high-pressure negotiating tactic in the short-lived bargaining sessions over Iran’s nuclear enrichment.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

Ruth, a fashion designer who quits the high-pressure world to become a teacher, acts as a contrast to the hustle culture-inspired ambitions of wannabe billionaire Becket, Henwick says.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

“There’s a high-pressure system moving down from Alaska tonight,” Jack tells us.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day