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

Bo never seemed to let the burdens of being the eldest child overwhelm him. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Sometimes, however, the values of different kinds of real estate can trend in dramatically different directions, shifting the burden more heavily to one over the other. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Verb

That finding should attract attention from state and local policymakers seeking practical ways to increase housing supply without burdening taxpayers or raising costs for builders and buyers. — Kileen Lindgren, Oc Register, 16 July 2026

She was often burdened trying to navigate complex rules and regulations just to provide basic services to students in need. — Jacob M. Noble, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026