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a difficult task
a formidable task
a daunting task
an enormous task
a difficult time
a hard time
a stressful time
a tough time
a troubled time
a difficult subject
an uncomfortable subject
a tricky subject
a delicate subject
a painful subject
a sensitive subject

Synonym Chooser

How is the word difficult different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When would arduous be a good substitute for difficult?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could hard be used to replace difficult?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

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 difficult Being governor of an American state is one of the great jobs in politics, and Lamont has been a notable success after a difficult start in 2019. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025 The fire is in difficult country with access issues and firefighters are evaluating options for the right flank and head of the fire. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025 Don’t give up hope or the belief that, as dark and difficult as things seem right now, better days lie ahead. Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025 It’s gotten at least a little more difficult to be a corrupt cop in Massachusetts these days. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for difficult
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficult
Adjective
  • As such, piloting an FPV drone is a completely different, entirely more challenging kettle of fish than piloting a standard camera drone.
    Sam Kieldsen, Wired News, 27 June 2025
  • All of these factors combine to make AI adoption incredibly challenging, expensive and time-consuming.
    Dave Friend, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
  • The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • She’s also developed a rigorous skincare routine because her treatments leave her with chemotherapy rash.
    Jillian Frankel, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • Every checking account review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products.
    Mia Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Storied but problematic luxury Italian sports carmaker Maserati is not for sale; yet.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • What really matters is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s problematic language -- specifically, his casual gendering of the American B-2 bombing crews.
    Becket Adams, National Review, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the plaintiffs in the case and the Biden administration said the appeals court was wrong to apply that standard and should have instead analyzed it under the most demanding level, strict scrutiny, because the law impedes adults' access to speech protected by the Constitution.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
  • Further stymying manufacturing’s renaissance is that plant work isn’t just dirty and physically demanding – albeit less than in prior generations – but also relatively low-paying with limited career prospects.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Martone is one of the very best prospects in this draft and gives the Flyers size, high-end skill (he’s got plus traits as a shooter, handler and playmaker), and a formidable one-two punch at right wing with Matvei Michkov.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The actress portrayed formidable sensei Kim Da-Eun on the Netflix series that ended in February after six seasons.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Difficult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficult. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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