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Augean

adjective

ȯ-ˈjē-ən How to pronounce Augean (audio)
Definition of Augeannext
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort dreaded the Augean task of cleaning the bathroom after an overflow of the toilet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Augean Removing Spurs’ mental block is like cleaning the Augean stables. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Obasanjo’s return to power as a civilian leader was supposed to be an economic and political reset, a cleaning of the Augean stables. — Uzodinma Iweala, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Augean
  1. difficult
  2. challenging
  3. rigorous
  4. demanding
  5. formidable
  6. tough
  7. toilsome
Adjective
  • Walk up to the pastry case and prepare to make some difficult decisions.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Fish can be hard to find and harder to catch this time of year, but American anglers have adapted to difficult fishing conditions.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Blocking new infections on a wider scale is far more challenging.
    — David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Ed Sheeran‘s challenging month continues as a pair of his high-profile stadium shows have been canceled due to weather.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • Sally Hayden’s reportage is always deeply humane, rigorous and challenging, and this new book promises to be an education.
    — Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • And that artistry complements Cécred’s rigorous product standards.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • More demanding data processing can take place on an external wearable hub.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Yet for blue-collar workers, staying longer in physically demanding jobs in order to reach those age milestones may be difficult, according to Stevens' proposal.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • DeFoe has very limited experience fishing at Lake Hamilton, but his partner Gill is one of the most formidable specialists with forward-facing sonar.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Both EVs share a formidable powertrain specced for serious performance, and feature futuristic styling that wouldn't be out of place in a cyberpunk future.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • North of the Thai capital Bangkok, rice farmers like 55-year-old Boonmark Marksuuk are already facing tough choices.
    — EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Zahnd, first elected in 2002, had a career defined by high-profile cases and solidified Platte County’s tough-on-crime reputation.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Republicans lacked the votes to pass anything so their amendments tended to be trollish and toilsome fliers meant to either own the libs or just annoy the legislators.
    — Matt Ford, The New Republic, 9 Aug. 2022
  • Though the third quarter was significantly better for Netflix than its previous quarter, the company signaled that there could be toilsome times ahead.
    — Natalie Jarvey, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Oct. 2019
Definition of toilsome

Phrases Containing Augean

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Augean
Augean stable
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Cite this Entry

“Augean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Augean. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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