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 General manager Trent Baalke is faced with making burdensome decisions on how to approach 2025, and cutting the cord on Engram's contract would be the first step in alleviating cap pressure and rebuilding a franchise that hasn't finished above .500 since 2007. —

Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Critics argue that these new requirements, while not overly burdensome, erode the sense of openness that previously defined international travel. —

Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Advocates say that Tennessee's voting rights restoration process is unduly burdensome. —

Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 4 Nov. 2024 Our consistent goal has been to help readers find ways to get their problems solved, resolve burdensome financial disputes and ensure residents' safety throughout. —

Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for burdensome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for burdensome

Adjective

But the backdrops are rendered with an oppressive prettiness that has a perverse cheapening effect.

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025
The total absence of shadow is an oppressive sensation, which engenders a feeling similar to that of claustrophobia.

New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Jan. 2025