1
as in challenging
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
difficult questions on the exam that required analytical thinking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
a difficult task
a difficult time
a difficult subject
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of difficult
Distinguished by its curved bamboo handle, the Gucci Bamboo was created in 1947, amid Italy’s post-War era, during which traditional raw materials were difficult to source.
—
Denni Hu, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025
In an era that would otherwise be dominated by the same handful of rich, powerful clubs, disruption — different names challenging for and winning the prizes — has never been more difficult or more important.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
But their happy romance is soon demolished when Jenny reappears in their lives, thrusting all three into a difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficult
Denni Hu, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025
In an era that would otherwise be dominated by the same handful of rich, powerful clubs, disruption — different names challenging for and winning the prizes — has never been more difficult or more important.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
But their happy romance is soon demolished when Jenny reappears in their lives, thrusting all three into a difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficult
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficult
Adjective
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Global hiring can offer a fresh solution in these challenging times.—
James Peters,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Job resignations have slowed as workers perceive (and data supports) getting another job is more challenging.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Schneider wants to take calculated risks in free agency, but that can be tough to do when Seattle is one of many teams needing interior offensive upgrades.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
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The New York Fed survey of consumer expectations showed respondents believe tougher economic conditions are ahead.—
Courtenay Brown,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.—
Alia Wong,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2023
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Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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Age is also a risk factor — older adults may already have issues with sleep due to existing health conditions, medications and chronic pain, and so may be especially sensitive to additional stress.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
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The request seeks information on DOGE's use of artificial intelligence, access to sensitive data, and its role in firing federal employees.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Facing those challenges, top education officials moved to eliminate the elementary school at P.S. 76, and merge grades 6-8 with Mott Hall II, a nearby middle school that is adding a rigorous high school program.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2025
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State Department officials interview applicants and submit them to a rigorous screening that includes an FBI background check.—
Tazreena Sajjad,
The Conversation,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Fake or illegitimate reviews plague the internet, and such reviews are particularly problematic within fintechs, where customer trust is imperative to ensure confidence in services tied to sensitive information, such as your banking details or other personally identifiable information.—
Branden Abushanab,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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Other areas where eclipse weather will be problematic will be near and along the Pacific coast of Washington, Oregon, and northern and central California where a marine layer of low clouds will be in place at eclipse time.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The most obvious question those holding or thinking of picking up tickets for future shows might be asking is whether Ann could still deliver some of the most demanding wailing in the rock ‘n’ roll canon at age 74, with or without the recent issues.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
7 Mar. 2025
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While lapidary work involves precise and sometimes physically demanding tasks, the CEYLONS female gem-cutting program aims to banish any and all misconceptions that such labor is unsuitable for women.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Although generally painted as having underperformed in Ukraine, Russia's air force would still be formidable.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Until then, this research offers the best look yet at one of the most formidable predators to ever swim the seas.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficult. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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