Definition of burdensomenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective burdensome contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of burdensome are exacting, onerous, and oppressive. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

Where would exacting be a reasonable alternative to burdensome?

The words exacting and burdensome are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

When can onerous be used instead of burdensome?

The words onerous and burdensome can be used in similar contexts, but onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

When could oppressive be used to replace burdensome?

While the synonyms oppressive and burdensome are close in meaning, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

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 burdensome Many will be surprised to learn that their coverage is contingent on documentation that could prove difficult and administratively burdensome to provide. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Financial institutions have argued that implementation would be burdensome and costly, affecting not only their industry but potentially also small businesses and consumers. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026 As chair of the Assembly’s Communications and Conveyance Committee, Boerner said the caseload the CPUC’s five commissioners have to handle is too burdensome and expanding the roster to nine will improve things. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 California’s current removal process is lengthy, costly, and procedurally burdensome to the point that administrators too often choose to leave underperforming teachers in classrooms and students instead of doing the right thing. Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for burdensome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burdensome
Adjective
  • Dealing with extreme heat in India, where oppressive temperatures have become a matter of routine in recent years, revealed another disconnect.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
  • The Shah was so corrupt and oppressive that the 1979 revolution was almost inevitable.
    John M. Crisp, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Keeping your hair looking and feeling shiny can be challenging, but not with this hair kit.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore said that fighting the fire had been extremely challenging.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
  • Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
    María Diez, Vogue, 26 June 2026
  • These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a demanding, real-world performance setting — a capstone exercise, a live performance, a high-stakes simulation — the goal is not to eliminate all mistakes, but to stay in control and navigate the zone of being uncomfortable.
    Ulrik Juul Christensen, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • New York crowds are passionate, honest, and demanding.
    Mark Harris, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • That has given players an opportunity to rest and recover ahead of the next fixture, but some of those games have taken place in searing heat, which will have had its effect on players, especially if they are not used to playing in that climate.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • But the street parties also come after months of scrutiny as FIFA has faced searing criticism across the globe for soaring World Cup ticket prices.
    Megan Janetsky, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • This isn’t ideal, considering the onerous repeater tax that’s triggered when a team crosses the luxury-tax threshold in four straight seasons or four times during a five-season period.
    Anthony Chiang June 23, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
  • The onerous large contracts that age the worst — potentially Jimmy Butler’s current deal with the Golden State Warriors and Paul George’s current deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, for example — tend to be contracts in which players already are past their primes at the start of their contracts.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Burdensome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burdensome. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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