1
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
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
the arduous task of doing the research for my term paper
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Recent Examples of arduous
The process is arduous, spanning days or weeks of boiling and soaking in syrup, but when sugar properly penetrates fruit’s cellular structure, not only does the appearance become almost incandescent, but the microbes that cause spoilage can’t survive.
—
Hannah Walhout, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026
Pleasing them all can be arduous.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Until, that is, the wind shifted — turning what should have been a 10-hour trip into a far more arduous journey.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Physical rehabilitation can be a difficult and arduous process.
—William Jones, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arduous
Hannah Walhout, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026
Pleasing them all can be arduous.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Until, that is, the wind shifted — turning what should have been a 10-hour trip into a far more arduous journey.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Physical rehabilitation can be a difficult and arduous process.
—William Jones, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arduous
Adjective
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This requires the difficult task of collecting precise, real-world measurements of complex nuclei and comparing the measurements with the models’ predictions.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
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While that process may prove difficult, the suspension option was hardly better.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And for Waller, no request is too challenging.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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Hired for the purpose of maintaining continuity after Rick Tocchet’s departure and because of his strong relationship with Quinn Hughes, who has since been traded, Foote’s first opportunity to serve as an NHL bench boss has been a challenging one.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Most importantly, Alvarado relishes in his role as a tough-nosed, point-of-attack defender, an area the Knicks have had trouble despite building a roster with notable defenders across all positions.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
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With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram's TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Yet Emery — an intense and demanding coach — asks for specific traits from his No 10s, including the ability to shield the ball from opponents and defend as intelligently as a full-back while also offering a clear goal threat.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Juggling demanding apparitions alongside staff burnout, family pressures and a coworker who seems to know more about her than expected, the series grounds its supernatural premise in the cultural specificity of the Filipino healthcare experience.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Every savings article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2026
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Fairlife protein shake The Fairlife Core Power protein shake is an excellent workout supplement for those looking to boost muscle recovery following rigorous exercise.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But looming is the question of whether the federal immigration officers who pulled the triggers in both cases actually broke the law, a question that will come down to complicated issues that are much harder to define than the outrage that prompted calls for accountability.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Today, Honda as an example will recommend (and most do) to drive gently for the first 600 miles (avoiding hard acceleration) and to vary engine speed.—
John Paul,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arduous. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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