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backbreaking

adjective

ˈbak-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce backbreaking (audio)
Definition of backbreakingnext
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort modern machinery has significantly eased the backbreaking work of farming

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 backbreaking The trials pay better than dishwashing, require no skills and are far less backbreaking than loading and unloading boxes. — Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2021 The Kings were leading 80-60 at the time and led by as many as 26 in the game, dealing the Blazers’ playoff chase a backbreaking blow. — oregonlive, 8 Mar. 2020 Drawing on unprecedented research, Chang shows how these men performed some of the most dangerous, most backbreaking work to build out the railroad from California, yet received virtually no credit for their contributions. — Chris Fuchs, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2019 Spraying fields with pesticides and fertilizers, the drones -- which can cover up to 60 acres a day -- could boost crop yields, save time and make backbreaking field work much easier, according to Bug Away. — Sarah Lazarus and Dan Tham, CNN, 3 July 2019 See All Example Sentences for backbreaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbreaking
  1. difficult
  2. challenging
  3. tough
  4. rigorous
  5. demanding
  6. hard
  7. formidable
  8. heavy
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Their furrows reminded me of Rembrandt’s paintings of old men, brows carved deep by hard use and long years.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Since then, his settings have become harder to locate in the contemporary world.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of hard
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
  • While the ceasefire halted the heaviest fighting and humanitarian conditions have improved, the Israeli military has expanded its control of Gaza and now occupies some 60% of the territory.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The companies are working to bring advanced Integral Molten Salt Reactor technology to heavy industrial facilities and fast-growing artificial intelligence data centers.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of heavy

Browse Nearby Words

backbones
backbreaking
back-channel
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Cite this Entry

“Backbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbreaking. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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