1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
the herculean task of grading 60 student essays over one weekend
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enormous
unusually large
a herculean banquet table that took eight men to lift it
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Recent Examples of herculean
Despite the herculean efforts of Nowell, original members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, and producer Jon Joseph, listening to Until the Sun Explodes feels like scraping up the resin left behind by OG Sublime in the hopes of getting high.
—
Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Despite his herculean postseason, a succession plan will be needed at some point.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Now, local officials in multiple states have begun the herculean work of changing the names of locations and holidays, as well as contemplating the fate of monuments and murals that honor Chavez.
—Daniella Silva, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
The local architect Rob Michel, an expert in midcentury preservation, would in turn oversee the project, which grew into a herculean logistical challenge requiring the coordination of some 100 specialists.
—Felix Wagner, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026
For Paramount, the road ahead will be paved with key management and strategic decisions, as well as a herculean effort to revitalize two media giants that have often struggled to navigate the streaming era.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
But both face a herculean task in catching him, given Malinin’s huge technical advantage over a longer program.
—Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
While finding a new species in plain sight might seem simple, catching the birds – a relatively common sight in the Galapagos – proved a herculean task.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Yet expert after expert told me that rebooting the country’s oil industry would require a herculean effort.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Despite his herculean postseason, a succession plan will be needed at some point.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Now, local officials in multiple states have begun the herculean work of changing the names of locations and holidays, as well as contemplating the fate of monuments and murals that honor Chavez.
—Daniella Silva, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
The local architect Rob Michel, an expert in midcentury preservation, would in turn oversee the project, which grew into a herculean logistical challenge requiring the coordination of some 100 specialists.
—Felix Wagner, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026
For Paramount, the road ahead will be paved with key management and strategic decisions, as well as a herculean effort to revitalize two media giants that have often struggled to navigate the streaming era.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
But both face a herculean task in catching him, given Malinin’s huge technical advantage over a longer program.
—Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
While finding a new species in plain sight might seem simple, catching the birds – a relatively common sight in the Galapagos – proved a herculean task.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Yet expert after expert told me that rebooting the country’s oil industry would require a herculean effort.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for herculean
Adjective
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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.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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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.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Adjective
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The assessment, which was based on disruptions, incidents, and violent extremist propaganda, says the potentially enormous crowds make the parade a high priority for lone wolf attackers, the official said.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
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The mega monsoons, vast deserts, volcanic eruptions, and enormous terrestrial animals and marine life of the turbulent Permian Period feature prominently, as the Earth reaches the brink of ecological collapse.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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The agreement calls for an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and sets out expectations for the next phase of talks, which will tackle more challenging issues, mainly the future of Iran's nuclear program.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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This creates a particularly challenging environment for those working in contributor welfare.—
Emma Pringle,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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That would deal a huge blow to a state that relies on its top 1% of earners for nearly half its personal income tax revenue.—
Sophie Austin,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
So my whole upbringing was hiding and carrying this huge weight and secret.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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McIlroy bogeyed 18 to finish at one under, squarely in the hunt, considering the tough conditions limited scoring.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
-
Parker, a former Eagles assistant, has risen quickly through the NFL coaching ranks and now faces a tough task with a roster full of new faces and high expectations.—
Briana Aldridge,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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The State of Colorado is mourning this tremendous loss alongside everyone who was impacted by Lynn.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
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Late night parties followed and alcohol flowed, and my memory is of talent of all ages lovingly looking up at the master with tremendous gratitude.—
Warren Littlefield,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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More than 30 years ago, Anna and her manager and trusted companion, Betsy Samson (a formidable Denise Burse), fled to Europe on the heels of a highbrow scandal.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Sure, Carpenter’s cut-the-ruggers are pizzazzing with their flips and cartwheels, but the Grande gang make formidable dance foes in the Sharks and Jets sense of the word.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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While running your air conditioner is likely a must, there are actually other ways to keep your home cooler that don't involve blasting your AC or a gigantic electric bill.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
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Those include partnering to develop digital workflows and their joint-ownership in the Terafab facility that plans to produce a gigantic one terawatt a year in compute hardware.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Herculean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/herculean. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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