Synonyms of burden

burden 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈbər-dᵊn 

1

as in load

a mass or quantity of something taken up and carried, conveyed, or transported

the early settlers often used horses to carry their burdens

Synonyms & Similar Words

• load
• loading
• payload
• cargo
• weight
• freight
• haul
• lading
• draft
• shipment
• overload
• deadweight
• ballast
• carload
• surcharge
• consignment
• pack
• package
• bale
• bulk
• bundle
• truckload
• boatload
• trainload
• wagonload
• manifest
• shipload
• parcel
• packet
• mass
• body

2

as in responsibility

something one must do because of prior agreement

the burden of homework prevented the youngster from joining his friends at the game

Synonyms & Similar Words

• responsibility
• obligation
• duty
• need
• promise
• commitment
• vow
• requirement
• constraint
• office
• imperative
• pledge
• charge
• do
• pact
• devoir
• incumbency
• payment
• debt
• oath
• contract
• must
• arrangement
• word
• trust
• compulsion
• tribute
• covenant
• setup
• compact
• restraint
• coercion
• onus
• prearrangement
• force
• reservation
• engagement
• duress
• troth
• appointment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relief
• grace
• exemption
• ease
• discharge
• stay
• waiver
• release
• postponement
• choice
• option
• selection
• alternative
• preference
• loophole
• pick

burden

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in chorus

a part of a song or hymn that is repeated every so often

had some trouble coming up with a burden for the song

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chorus
• response
• refrain
• repeat

burden

3 of 3

verb

1

as in to load

to place a weight or burden on

burdened the dog with a little backpack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• load
• weight
• fill
• saddle
• pack
• freight
• encumber
• weigh
• laden
• stack
• lumber
• pile
• tax
• lade
• heap
• overburden
• mound
• clutter
• overload
• clog
• hamper
• strain
• handicap
• afflict
• surcharge
• oppress
• overtax
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• unload
• relieve
• alleviate
• ease
• unburden
• lighten
• disburden
• unlade
• disencumber

2

as in to trouble

to make sad

refuses to let everyday problems burden her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trouble
• depress
• worry
• concern
• oppress
• bum (out)
• weigh down
• distress
• torture
• get down
• bother
• sadden
• deject
• torment
• ail
• discomfort
• disturb
• afflict
• upset
• dash
• discourage
• daunt
• dismay
• exercise
• unsettle
• dishearten
• disquiet
• perturb
• demoralize
• unnerve
• undo
• dispirit
• agitate
• freak (out)
• discompose
• unhinge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lighten
• rejoice
• assure
• brighten
• comfort
• cheer (up)
• gladden
• buoy
• reassure
• soothe
• stimulate
• animate
• enliven
• invigorate
• console
• inspire
• excite
• encourage
• lift
• please
• solace
• delight
• gratify
• uplift
• elevate
• boost
• elate
• hearten
• exhilarate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of burden

Noun

Not only that, but the frequency of headaches and the burden of migraine frequently worsens during midlife, Dr. Jelena Pavlovic, a neurologist and associate professor at Montefiore Einstein—and author of the 2020 study—notes. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 14 July 2025

Investigating cruelty and neglect is complex due to the need for circumstantial and forensic evidence, financial burdens of seizing animals, and strong community reactions, requiring specialized resources and training for prosecutors. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025

Verb

Many workers burdened by student loans face a tough financial tradeoff: either reduce their debt or invest in their future. —Brit Morse, Fortune, 5 July 2025

Journalists—often burdened by lower salaries and potential student debt—were projected at $100,000. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025