1
as in hardship
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
the many difficulties that he encountered on the road from poor orphan to head of a major corporation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complexity
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
there was a minor difficulty when we realized that the store had already closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in objection
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
the only difficulty I have with the dress is its color—does it come in anything besides purple?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of difficulty
Some symptoms include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, chest pain, and chronic cough.
Lizzo, also known as Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has experimented with various strategies to improve her health, including a brief period as a vegan.
—
Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 July 2025
Exposure to lead can cause cognitive damage, developmental delays, difficulty learning and behavioral problems in children.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
Real Madrid also had reservations due to financial difficulties on the back of the pandemic, so Chelsea, who were recruiting from a position of strength after a transfer ban, jumped in and agreed to a £71million ($91.3m at current exchange rates) record-breaking move.
—Gregg Evans, New York Times, 2 July 2025
Despite the difficulties, Cyrus chooses not to have surgery, fearing a change in her voice.
—Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 July 2025
Exposure to lead can cause cognitive damage, developmental delays, difficulty learning and behavioral problems in children.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
Real Madrid also had reservations due to financial difficulties on the back of the pandemic, so Chelsea, who were recruiting from a position of strength after a transfer ban, jumped in and agreed to a £71million ($91.3m at current exchange rates) record-breaking move.
—Gregg Evans, New York Times, 2 July 2025
Despite the difficulties, Cyrus chooses not to have surgery, fearing a change in her voice.
—Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
-
The company’s high-margin, recurring membership revenue has shown remarkable resilience during economic hardships, contributing to the stock’s recent surge.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The first call went to King, who signed a rest-of-season hardship waiver contract.—
Anthony De Leon,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
As app stores grow, both in volume and complexity, the tools used to screen them will need to evolve at the same pace.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
-
The complexity of art and collectibles planning means procrastination can be costly.—
Matthew F. Erskine,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Generate three compelling arguments for this settlement amount, then anticipate the opposing counsel's three strongest objections.—
Kwame Christian Esq,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
If leaders moved ahead without altering the provisions, the measures could be challenged, requiring a 60-vote threshold to overcome objections.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The changes come amid several controversies facing the Texas Lottery in recent years, particularly on the issue of courier purchases.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
-
The original, shot by Bryce Anderson, drew a lot of attention and controversy, with many critiquing the image as a provocative and degrading towards women.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Jackie Cruz-Towns died due to complications from COVID-19 in April 2020.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
-
This could result in serious health complications, such as: vomiting, lack of coordination and balance, and in rare cases, partial paralysis, collapse and even death, says Martin.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The United States economy is vastly different from ancient Rome’s, with one important exception: there remains today the same temptation to finance public promises with money created out of thin air.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
-
Any exceptions lawmakers want to carve out must be backed by a strong state interest that increases protections for minors.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Before the dispute, the Shinawatras and the Huns of Cambodia — two of Southeast Asia’s most influential political dynasties — had enjoyed close personal relations for decades.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
-
The dispute has influenced Paramount’s approach to a lawsuit accusing it of deceptively editing an interview with Kamala Harris.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
The Van Tine lawsuit, filed earlier last month, asserts some of the same allegations as the Ornelas complaint.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
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Ironically, the complaint in question was never even sustained, meaning the civilian investigators ultimately found no misconduct by officers.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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