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
The Stand By Me actor candidly discussed the difficulty of being estranged from his parents and his impulse to share his achievements with parental figures in an interview with Michael Rosenbaum on the Inside of You podcast.
—
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
But both McGuinness and his successor, Frank O’Farrell, seemed overawed by the size of the job, which, as well as trying to cover the post-Busby void, included the difficulties of handling Bobby Charlton’s decline and George Best’s off-pitch problems.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Athan Manuel, director of lands protection for the Sierra Club, said the recent layoffs and the decision to empower a DOGE official to make vast changes over the department is concerning, especially considering the difficulties national parks around the country were already experiencing.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Ars Video In the run-up to his single-segment completion, Coincident put together a series of strategy videos that highlight the difficulty of completing even the relatively easy opening sections of this brutal level.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
But both McGuinness and his successor, Frank O’Farrell, seemed overawed by the size of the job, which, as well as trying to cover the post-Busby void, included the difficulties of handling Bobby Charlton’s decline and George Best’s off-pitch problems.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Athan Manuel, director of lands protection for the Sierra Club, said the recent layoffs and the decision to empower a DOGE official to make vast changes over the department is concerning, especially considering the difficulties national parks around the country were already experiencing.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Ars Video In the run-up to his single-segment completion, Coincident put together a series of strategy videos that highlight the difficulty of completing even the relatively easy opening sections of this brutal level.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
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That said, the market has become more uncertain over the last few months, and employers may use that to claim hardship and deny raises.—
Caroline Ceniza-Levine,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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More broadly, endowments can help shield schools from financial hardships and maintain their long-term reputations.—
Todd L. Ely,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Volatility, complexity, and exponential technology define modern times.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
Why Leaders Need To Make Space For Uncertainty Today’s workplace is shaped by rapid change and increasing complexity.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
But the reality is that Mr. Dixon had asked his supervisor about the hire and was told that there were no objections.—
Andrew Marchand,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
One woman shouted her objections from her seat in the balcony.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Now, with the controversy behind him, Benn has the opportunity to finally face Eubank in the ring.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Despite the controversy, for the Hilton, that doesn't change the imperative to serve.—
Major Garrett,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Cordero died in July 2020 due to COVID-19 complications.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
For patients awaiting transplants, this breakthrough means stronger donor hearts, fewer complications and a brighter shot at a second chance.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The exception means employees can work remotely from anywhere in North Carolina, not solely within Mecklenburg County.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
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The only exception is that when the three characters fall, the remaining two can be called as backup to help finish the fight.—
George Yang,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Book dispute is one of three religious rights cases The case is one of three religious rights cases the Supreme Court is deciding in the coming weeks, and appears likely to be part of a recent trend of the court siding with religious rights advocates.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Meanwhile, borrowers who have their loans in default should expect to receive an email in the next two weeks asking them to contact the Debt Resolution Group, which helps resolve disputes related to defaulted loans.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The figure is only representative of information and complaints submitted by victims to the IC3, FBI officials confirmed.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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In an exhibit to HSM’s complaint, the marketing advance is detailed.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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