Ultrasonic reflectivity from a solid is a function of longitudinal‐ and shear‐wave velocities and attenuations, as well as the density. Using stress‐dependent acoustic velocities obtained from second‐order elasticity theory, we have calculated the plane‐wave reflectivity at and near the Rayleigh critical angle for uniaxial stress. Reflectivity amplitude and phase results were obtained for both tensile and compressive stress. From the reflectivity amplitude data, values of Raleigh‐wave velocity versus stress were obtained. The results exhibit the expected behavior and a comparison with such experimental data as are available shows fair agreement.