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
Only Connelly Early has been consistently solid, but even two of his outings so far were short and laborious.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
Mine clearing is a laborious and time-consuming process fraught with danger.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
While individually rolling classic Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner guests can be laborious, this casserole has all the same flavor (down to the crispy breadcrumbs) with half the effort.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Robert Campbell built the Mill Creek operation around 1790 specifically to produce lumber and farm crops for sale to the island, replacing laborious hand‑sawing as demand exploded after the British moved Fort Michilimackinac there in 1781.
—Andy Morrison, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for laborious
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
Mine clearing is a laborious and time-consuming process fraught with danger.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
While individually rolling classic Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner guests can be laborious, this casserole has all the same flavor (down to the crispy breadcrumbs) with half the effort.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Robert Campbell built the Mill Creek operation around 1790 specifically to produce lumber and farm crops for sale to the island, replacing laborious hand‑sawing as demand exploded after the British moved Fort Michilimackinac there in 1781.
—Andy Morrison, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for laborious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laborious
Adjective
-
There’s yet another reason to be diligent with your daily SPF.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
14 May 2026
-
In the end, after a monthslong investigation and diligent forensic work, partial remains of 70 of the 110 victims were identified and returned to family members who, to this day, carry the pain of that day in 1996.—
Hank Tester,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Building the program had proved difficult.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Sindcom 14-Piece Food Storage Containers Set The pantry is one of the most difficult places to organize thanks to boxes of cereal, pasta, baking ingredients, and more scattered about.—
Kelsey Fredricks,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
During a particularly challenging episode with her mental health, Halverson said, his mother went to stay with her sister in Wisconsin.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Perhaps my teen years and college (particularly the latter) would have not been so challenging emotionally, academically and socially.—
Sahaj Kaur Kohli,
Washington Post,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The five zippered pockets are useful for keeping essentials secure while sightseeing, hiking, or navigating busy airports, and the moisture-wicking fabric is helpful in hot or humid weather.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2026
-
With or without a flashlight, searching the house for treasure can keep kids (and parents) busy for hours.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
Management has partly attributed the membership slowdown to tougher comparisons from a year earlier, but there’s more to the story.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
-
The California Assembly on Thursday overwhelming voted in favor of a bill that would prohibit children under 16 years old from having a social media account, setting up what is likely to continue to be a tough battle over the coming months.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Despite his lack of both clothing and confidence, the Wolf eventually found his way to the Master of Life, who was also inspiring but demanding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
That is where the conversation becomes more demanding.—
Gregory Shahnovsky,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Through workshops, brain-health nutrition and other innovative tools such as exergaming — interactive technology that combines exercise with gaming — residents can explore new ways to stay engaged and nurture continued vitality.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
-
That underdeveloped online channel is likely why the David Bellinger of Mizuho said many of these newer digital customers appear less engaged with Costco’s traditional warehouse experience.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Every small business article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of small business products.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
The campaign was the work of Claude Hopkins, an advertising executive with a passion for rigorous testing and measurable results.—
Julia Dhar,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laborious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laborious. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
