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
  • For a long time, we’ve all been told that remastering the older Super Robot Wars games was extremely difficult, due to all the licensing and other costs involved.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • After three difficult years, armed groups loyal to Tehran appear to be bouncing back across the Middle East, reinforcing Iran’s leverage in its war with the US and Israel.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Even during a challenging season, Stanek continued to showcase one of baseball's hardest fastballs with a plus slider, splitter and sweeper.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also 20-year-old Connor Zilisch, who’s had a challenging rookie season but is still one of the most prized young drivers to ever join the Cup Series.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • Academy leaders have repeatedly told Congress that rigorous scholarship, civilian faculty expertise and exposure to complex questions help prepare officers for the uncertainty of modern warfare.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • The progress marks the transition from years of design, research, and technology demonstrations to the construction of physical aircraft that will undergo rigorous testing before entering operational service.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • That is a demanding position to hold, and most organizations have built conditions that make holding it harder every year.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At the 2024 Monterey Historic races, he was seen driving the 250 P aggressively around the demanding Laguna Seca track.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • Ulf has Silverwing and Hugh rides Vermithor, both formidable beasts.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The three formed a formidable frontcourt that could score, pass and defend.
    — Rob Peterson, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • The city's local Democratic lawmakers claim that the tough-on-crime policies only temporarily reduced crime while troop presence was at its peak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Lopez and multiple bullpen arms got out of tough jams to limit the Red Sox 16 baserunners across the first nine innings to just two runs, only one earned.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 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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audits
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 3 Aug. 2026.

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