stressor

[stres-er, -awr] / ˈstrɛs ər, -ɔr /

NOUN

something which causes stress

Synonyms

STRONG

aggravation annoyance

WEAK

bellyache headache inconvenience irritant nuisance pain pressure trouble worry

Antonyms

STRONGEST

relaxer

WEAK

convenience pleasure

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.

Rising demands for defense spending are another stressor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Classroom technology use has been a stressor for India Brookover of Granada Hills, whose daughter will be entering transitional kindergarten, or TK, next year and whose screen time in preschool has been near zero.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Retirement savers are more concerned about medical spending than any other financial stressor, a new survey found — and for good reason.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

“I almost can’t think of a worse psychological stressor than being bullied by a community that you value.”

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2025

In this new study, the researchers wanted to know whether a sense of personal control -- how much people feel they can influence their daily challenges -- affects whether a stressor gets resolved.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025