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

The current fiscal trajectory in the US is unsustainable, and the debt service burden has grown large enough to squeeze out other spending. — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Lower taxes and regulatory burdens have certainly helped to fuel corporate spending, with the Treasury department reporting that business investment rose nearly 10% in the first half of the year. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Verb

In a decision written by Judge Barbara Milano Keenan, the 4th Circuit panel ruled that the houses of worship showed that the Department of Homeland Security's policy substantially burdens the free exercise of their religion. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Specifically, Discount Tires shared with the commission its concerns that implementing these standards might disproportionately burden low-income consumers. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026