as in labor
very hard or unpleasant work
the donkeywork involved in setting up one's own start-up software firm
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donkeywork
Noun
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The program allows people convicted of crimes in the county to serve their sentences through manual labor instead of jail time, Jenkins said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Nov. 2025 -
Further, many construction jobs were being done by undocumented workers, particularly in the Southwest, where deportations are impacting the ability for homebuilders to find enough labor to build homes.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Even as federal funding resumes, local colleges, businesses and nonprofits are joining county agencies in maintaining relief efforts for as long as Sacramento-area residents need them.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
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The first Black cemetery in Tarrant County, home to the remains of more than 500 veterans, was rededicated on Veterans Day after a months-long restoration effort.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But by the end of the 19th century—after slavery was abolished in 1888 and coffee production became further industrialized—Paraty slid into a period of extended decline.—
David Amsden,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Personal family accounts reveal how, despite slavery, Jim Crow and other roadblocks, the Malloy clan became one of Laurinburg’s richest and most powerful.—
Essence,
Essence,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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From its beginning, the leaders of the rebellion well understood the global reach and resonance of their great struggle.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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The historic build-up stands in stark contrast to the United States’ own supply struggles.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But Vanderbilt, as attention, pressure and fatigue rise on a pursuit no one outside its camp expected, is essentially two teams with two games left in the 2025 regular season.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Despite widespread fatigue over tipping prompts, Americans still tend to be generous when dining out at restaurants.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The All Aligned Ribbed Long-sleeve Henley Dress is made from a soft, ribbed Nulu fabric that’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and equipped with plenty of stretch to keep you comfortable on the road and at home.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
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Especially with two new blockers on the outside, as left tackle Jordan Seaton watched the game in sweats while wearing a walking boot on his right ankle.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Myers, who wrote the film with Geoff Bakken, has delivered a uniquely modern take on corporate grind that does not shy away from body horror.—
William Earl,
Variety,
5 Nov. 2025
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For me, the feeling of nailing a big, screen-clearing combo while the music swells to a crescendo is well worth the grind.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But while pains de garde can be eaten all week long, baguettes go stale quickly, leading to significant waste in French households.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Eager to assimilate, Japanese farmers took pains to learn English.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Donkeywork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donkeywork. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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