BURDENSOME Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'burdensome' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of burdensome are exacting , onerous , and oppressive . While all these words mean "imposing hardship," burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain. // burdensome responsibilities

Q: Where would 'exacting' be a reasonable alternative to 'burdensome'?

The words exacting and burdensome are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding. // an exacting employer

Q: When can 'onerous' be used instead of 'burdensome'?

The words onerous and burdensome can be used in similar contexts, but onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful. // the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

Q: When could 'oppressive' be used to replace 'burdensome'?

While the synonyms oppressive and burdensome are close in meaning, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed. // the oppressive tyranny of a police state

burdensome

adjective

ˈbər-dᵊn-səm

Definition of burdensome next

as in oppressive

difficult to endure the burdensome living conditions that the early settlers had to endure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention the burdensome task of finishing the tax return

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective burdensome contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of burdensome are exacting, onerous, and oppressive. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

Where would exacting be a reasonable alternative to burdensome?

The words exacting and burdensome are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

When can onerous be used instead of burdensome?

The words onerous and burdensome can be used in similar contexts, but onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

When could oppressive be used to replace burdensome?

While the synonyms oppressive and burdensome are close in meaning, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of burdensome Any delay in cutting rates will also postpone relief for Americans who want home mortgages, auto loans and credit card debt to be less burdensome. —

Niall Stanage, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024 Attracting businesses and promoting economic growth through supportive measures — rather than imposing burdensome regulations and legal obstacles — can prevent the exodus of businesses, preserve access to critical goods and services, and sustain entry-level job opportunities. —

Bob Stonebrook, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024 The logistics part is a prime example, as Amazon assumes much of the heavy lifting that otherwise could prove burdensome and inaccessible to a disabled person. —

Steven Aquino, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Musk’s behavior, say the former employees, acted as cover for other platforms that saw trust and safety work as a burdensome cost. —

Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for burdensome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for burdensome

Adjective

The ongoing siege at the Argentine embassy in Caracas is a stark reminder of the oppressive lengths to which Nicolás Maduro’s regime will go to silence dissent.

David Smolansky, National Review, 12 Dec. 2024
But that sensibility seems especially widespread right now at the tail end of an already challenging year, and on the precipice of what is bound to be an exhausting, oppressive period.

James Factora, Them, 11 Dec. 2024