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
  • The pilot must compensate manually using the controller, which can be difficult if the aircraft is far away or difficult to see.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The chocolatey all-suede style was first released in October 2023 and has become increasingly difficult to track down over the years, with certain sizes commanding premium prices on the secondary market.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Manufacturing electronic devices from it remains difficult, particularly because reliably controlling its electrical properties through doping is challenging.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Porter knew Friday’s game would be a challenging one against the Tillers.
    — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • Success Academy Westland Hialeah Elementary is one of the first five schools of the nonprofit charter operator, known for its high test scores and rigorous culture, to co-locate inside Miami-Dade public schools.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • That history demands rigorous safeguards for any outside organization working with children, including comprehensive vetting, clear boundaries, close supervision and independent accountability.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • The operator brings the experience while the machine takes on the physically demanding work.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • For these more demanding tasks, the K70 offers a full-coverage cleaning mode that tackles floors, walls, waterlines and slopes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • Their pass defense is specifically interesting, allowing over 227 passing yards per game, even while boasting one of the most talented and formidable defensive backfields in the game.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The formidable organization of Seminole County Democrats (aka the SemDems) was clearly a factor there.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • The Heat now returns home, but the competition is about to get tougher.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Councilwoman Willis has been a tough negotiator, challenging us to work with the City of Dallas transportation department to identify and fund meaningful traffic enhancements.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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