ARDUOUS Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'arduous' different from other adjectives like it?

The words difficult and hard are common synonyms of arduous . While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion. // the arduous task of rebuilding

Q: When could 'difficult' be used to replace 'arduous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to arduous , difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage. // the difficult ascent of the mountain

Q: When is it sensible to use 'hard' instead of 'arduous'?

The synonyms hard and arduous are sometimes interchangeable, but hard implies the opposite of all that is easy. // farming is hard work

arduous

adjective

ˈär-jə-wəs

Definition of arduous next

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort climbing Mount Everest is an arduous, exhausting challenge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention the arduous task of doing the research for my term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word arduous different from other adjectives like it?

The words difficult and hard are common synonyms of arduous. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could difficult be used to replace arduous?

While in some cases nearly identical to arduous, difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When is it sensible to use hard instead of arduous?

The synonyms hard and arduous are sometimes interchangeable, but hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

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 arduous On the trek up the long, arduous trail, a number of other hikers noted my lack of appropriate footwear. —

Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 The process to purchase those properties is often long and arduous. —

Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 And publicly vowing to be together ’til death can turn out to be nothing more than an arduous performance. —

Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026 Throughout the current season 15, Boz has allowed cameras to document her arduous IVF journey with her fiancé, Keely Watson. —

Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arduous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for arduous

Adjective

Putting in the new chip was more difficult.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
The rest will be more difficult.

— Doug Haller, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026