1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
climbing Mount Everest is an arduous, exhausting challenge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
the arduous task of doing the research for my term paper
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 arduous
Turtle Spotting & Nature Walks From the beginning of May through the end of October, mama sea turtles begin the arduous process of nesting their eggs along the shoreline.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
For the first time, Mangia acknowledged getting people to vote for an increase in sales taxes was going to take a long, arduous battle.
—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
Dogs did it at least 14,000 years ago, discovering that befriending garbage-producing humans resulted in tastier, more abundant scraps and less arduous lives on their own.
—
Shoshi Parks,
Popular Science,
10 June 2026
Thune’s reservations over quickly uniting Republicans for yet another package ahead of the midterm elections come in the wake of the latest arduous undertaking.
—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for arduous
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
For the first time, Mangia acknowledged getting people to vote for an increase in sales taxes was going to take a long, arduous battle.
—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
Dogs did it at least 14,000 years ago, discovering that befriending garbage-producing humans resulted in tastier, more abundant scraps and less arduous lives on their own.
—
Shoshi Parks,
Popular Science,
10 June 2026
Thune’s reservations over quickly uniting Republicans for yet another package ahead of the midterm elections come in the wake of the latest arduous undertaking.
—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for arduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arduous
Adjective
-
Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.
-
The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.
Adjective
-
Keeping your hair looking and feeling shiny can be challenging, but not with this hair kit.
-
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore said that fighting the fire had been extremely challenging.
Adjective
-
Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
-
These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
-
In a demanding, real-world performance setting — a capstone exercise, a live performance, a high-stakes simulation — the goal is not to eliminate all mistakes, but to stay in control and navigate the zone of being uncomfortable.
-
New York crowds are passionate, honest, and demanding.
Adjective
-
And a rigorous screening protocol for LFS patients developed by David Malkin, a protege of Fraumeni and Li, helps detect early-stage malignancies, improving the odds of treating them and prolonging lives.
-
According to Lacey, who helped set up the Code Four program last year, enforcing the law requires a clear grasp of ethics and a rigorous attention to detail to make sure the job is done well.
Adjective
-
In the days leading up to his show, Chavarria and his team were hard at work in his make-shift studio in the 6th arrondissement.
-
Closing a chapter, not the relationships For Sevy, the hardest part is closing this chapter with the people who made the place feel like home.
Cite this Entry
“Arduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arduous. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
