1
as in diligent
involved in often constant activity
the volunteers have been commendably laborious in their cleanup of the beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
the laborious task of cleaning up the oil spill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
that report is the product of months of laborious research
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 laborious
Other things to know before cleaning grout Cleaning tile grout is a laborious process that involves elbow grease, squatting and reaching.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
But everyone agrees Los Angeles has taken a significant step back on both ends of the ice during this inconsistent, laborious season.
—ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
There’s a time and a place for a laborious chili recipe with upwards of 30 ingredients that simmers all day long.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
In a laborious process, researchers tweak these factors until the models produce accurate predictions based on past data.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for laborious
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
But everyone agrees Los Angeles has taken a significant step back on both ends of the ice during this inconsistent, laborious season.
—ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
There’s a time and a place for a laborious chili recipe with upwards of 30 ingredients that simmers all day long.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
In a laborious process, researchers tweak these factors until the models produce accurate predictions based on past data.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for laborious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laborious
Adjective
-
Some reviewers are unhappy with slow results — but Hers products are most effective when used consistently for a minimum of three months, and there’s no way of knowing how diligent these reviewers were.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Herzog depicts the bushmen who aid Boyes as dignified, diligent and intelligent without romanticizing them while capturing the rugged beauty of the African landscape.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Christie acknowledged that the Kings were in a difficult position given their recent schedule injury situation.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Even putting the tank on the ice was more difficult this year.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Orkin bed bug control Bed bug treatment is challenging, but something that Orkin excels at.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Turning your attention inward can feel challenging.—
J. David Creswell,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Morales commented on the incident happening during a busy weekend in the city, which includes Ultra, a concert at the Kaseya Center, and the Marlins' opening weekend.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Let that passion carry you through the busier stretches.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The judge assigned to Amin’s case was Iman Afshari, known in Tehran for his tough sentences—a reputation that led the European Union to place him on a blacklist, in January, for human-rights abuses.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Two sisters in Big Bear are facing one of the toughest moments in their lives.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The right answer, if there is one, has to be more demanding.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
-
This high-capacity version ensures your most demanding creative assets are always instantly accessible, cementing its status as a premier, long-term investment for any mobile professional.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Progress begins when families speak up and stay engaged.—
Shon Lowe,
Twin Cities,
26 Mar. 2026
-
But those who have worked with him or presented cases in his court say that outward appearance masks a sharp, deeply engaged jurist with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Cameron is completing the rigorous prerequisites to apply to the competitive cardiovascular technology program at Grossmont College while caring for her daughter.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Every car insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of car insurance products.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laborious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laborious. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
