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

Breeds with structural health burdens, the brachycephalic group in particular, may face continued scrutiny from veterinarians and welfare groups. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

With the United States pulling back, a new bargain in which Europe carries more of the nuclear burden and has more say in the choice to use these weapons is the only way to ensure transatlantic security. — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

Because Sand has not served in a legislative capacity, he isn’t burdened by a controversial voting record on leftist policies, as is Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, who is also trying to flip a red state seat. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026

There are many reasons why women do not feel able to speak up, with the top one, at 52 percent, being their not wanting to burden others. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026