pressing

adjective

press·​ing ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
Synonyms of pressingnext
1
: urgently important : critical
a pressing issue
2
: earnest, warm
pressingly
ˈpre-siŋ-lē How to pronounce pressing (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of pressing in a Sentence

a pressing need for reform she had pressing business on the other side of town
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
On the spectrum from white to red, direct pressing and minimal skin contact produce light, crisp, floral styles with orchard fruits and bright acidity, which stylistically are closer to white wines. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Familiar Democrats in Texas have the best chance of unseating Republicans in 2026, as the economy becomes a more pressing issue statewide than border security, according to a statewide survey. — Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 The candidates generally agree on what the district’s most pressing issues are: homelessness, affordable housing development, public safety and blight, and creating a vibrant downtown core. — Devan Patel, Mercury News, 25 June 2025 The most pressing need the Lakers have is finding a rim-running, shot-blocking young center to put alongside Luka Doncic for the present and future. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pressing

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressing was in 1591

Phrases Containing pressing

Rhymes for pressing

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Browse Nearby Words

press home
pressing
pressing board
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Cite this Entry

“Pressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

pressing

adjective
press·​ing ˈpres-iŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
: needing one's immediate attention
a pressing issue
pressingly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce pressing (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pressing

Nglish: Translation of pressing for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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