DIFFICULT Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'difficult' different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult . While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage. // the difficult ascent of the mountain

Q: When would 'arduous' be a good substitute for 'difficult'?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult , arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion. // the arduous task of rebuilding

Q: When could 'hard' be used to replace 'difficult'?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy. // farming is hard work

difficult

adjective

ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəlt

Definition of difficult next

as in challenging

requiring considerable physical or mental effort difficult questions on the exam that required analytical thinking

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tough

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling it's a difficult situation when two of your friends are quarreling and you're trying to stay out of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a difficult task

a complicated task

a formidable task

a daunting task

an enormous task

a challenging task

a difficult time

a hard time

a stressful time

a frustrating time

a tough time

a troubled time

a difficult subject

an uncomfortable subject

a tricky subject

a delicate subject

a painful subject

a sensitive subject

Synonym Chooser

How is the word difficult different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When would arduous be a good substitute for difficult?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could hard be used to replace difficult?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

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 difficult Still, the most difficult aspect of the crisis is not the need to prepare for an unspecified economic threat from a close ally, but the need to cope with a sudden sense of almost Kafkaesque absurdity. —

Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2025 In his final week in the White House, President Joe Biden has imposed new sanctions on Russia that may be difficult for his successor to undo. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Advancing out of the West as a No. 5 seed last season was difficult enough. —

Christian Clark, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 What’s more difficult than curating an eloquent and versatile rotation of eveningwear? —

Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for difficult

Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficult

Adjective

That realization reinforced for me the importance of breaking stereotypes about introverts and challenging misconceptions.

Kendra MacDonald, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Finding a way to relax and take your mind off football can be challenging, but Colwill uses Lego to unwind.

The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025