1
as in hardship
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
the many difficulties that he encountered on the road from poor orphan to head of a major corporation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complexity
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
there was a minor difficulty when we realized that the store had already closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in objection
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
the only difficulty I have with the dress is its color—does it come in anything besides purple?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of difficulty
Speaking to reporters gathered at Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, the hospital where Francis is being treated, Dr. Alfieri had described the difficulties the pope’s medical team was facing to calibrate the right treatment for the pontiff, who has pneumonia but also a complex infection.
—
Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
The drug, leucovorin, is a prescription vitamin that functions similarly to folic acid, helping to restore folate levels in patients who may have difficulty absorbing or using it, according to Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a private supplement company.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025
For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.
—Photovogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
And the difficulties, of course, is that Europe as a continent, is nowhere near ready to replace the U.S., say overnight, in terms of securing NATO's defenses in Europe.
—Adam Bearne, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
The drug, leucovorin, is a prescription vitamin that functions similarly to folic acid, helping to restore folate levels in patients who may have difficulty absorbing or using it, according to Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a private supplement company.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025
For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.
—Photovogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
And the difficulties, of course, is that Europe as a continent, is nowhere near ready to replace the U.S., say overnight, in terms of securing NATO's defenses in Europe.
—Adam Bearne, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
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Surrounded by unpredictability and hardship, one certainty remains for Herzallah: that if help is given, Palestinians can rebuild.—
Camilla Alcini,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Her great-grandmom’s sudden death due to the then untreatable disease tuberculosis caused all those hardships.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Industry groups should push for qualified leadership appointments at crucial agencies like the DEA, FDA and USDA—officials who understand both cannabis policy complexities and public health implications.—
Ricardo Baca,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2025
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That process can take months or even years, depending on the project’s complexity.—
Lisa Friedman,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In January 2021, after took office, some Republican senators attempted to delay his Cabinet confirmations by slow-walking the process through procedural delays and objections rather than filibuster speeches.—
Ewan Palmer,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Now judges will be able to decide while also being able to consider objections from both the defense and the prosecutors.—
Alex Malm,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The message blip, which was replicated several times by The New York Times, provoked controversy after appearing in a viral TikTok post, raising questions about Apple’s artificial intelligence capabilities.—
Tripp Mickle,
New York Times,
25 Feb. 2025
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His resignation also comes amid controversy over Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency reportedly seeking access to taxpayer data.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Recognizing the symptoms of scarlet fever early and seeking medical care can ensure a quick recovery and reduce the risk of complications.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
15 Feb. 2025
-
The prospect of weather complications remains a topic of major concern as forecasts vary for upcoming events.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The exception is the SanDisk Desk Drive, which is a tabletop SSD that requires its own power source.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
23 Feb. 2025
-
The only exceptions to that are San Diego FC, which is embarking on its inaugural season, and Inter Miami, because of the existence of Lionel Messi.—
Brooks Peck,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The network brought a federal lawsuit and a judge quickly sided with CNN in the dispute on due process grounds, leading the White House to back down from the legal fight.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Weston, 34, and Fulton, 57, were allegedly involved in a verbal dispute that turned physical on April 28, 2024.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The complaint centered specifically on Danielson’s comments during a press conference following Boise State’s season-ending loss in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Feb. 2025
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The 42-page Maryland complaint claims these actions amount to a broad censorship campaign and an unconstitutional power grab.—
Ross O'Keefe,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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