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 Economic Policy Institute economic analyst Nina Mast, whose research focuses on child labor standards, disagreed that the reporting system was overly burdensome to employers. Kaitlin Lange, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026 The company also noted that organic certification can be cost-prohibitive and administratively burdensome for small farms, and that many ingredients don’t come in organic at the scale Sweetgreen needs. Bloomberg, Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026 Europe’s competitiveness is at stake if compliance becomes too burdensome, and in an Antwerp meeting last week, industry leaders called on the European Commission to continue supporting this kind of regulatory relief. Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026 For decades, the climate-friendly industry has been held back by overly burdensome regulations, but that’s beginning to change. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for burdensome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burdensome
Adjective
  • Another wonderful cold-season brassica, cauliflower can benefit from a head start indoors, which gives it time to be transplanted and reach maturity outdoors before the summer heat becomes too oppressive.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The pain and exhaustion and grief are so real and oppressive, the camera never dares set a foot outside.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The still-to-close merger, announced on social media Tuesday, will maintain separate brands while sharing brewing facilities and other resources, helping both companies navigate a challenging craft beer industry and explore new opportunities for growth.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This means 26 wines, which has proven a challenging but really fun experience.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Audrey Sterk of Audrey Sterk Design teamed up with Chip Webster Architecture and Reid Builders to use durable composite countertops and weather-resistant cabinetry to ensure this outdoor kitchen will last, even in this harsh island environment.
    Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone who has seen the way the space works today can recognize that there are a lot of families who find this very, very difficult right now.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Demonstrating that was difficult due to natural fluctuations in temperatures.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2008, Klay Thompson of Santa Margarita scored 37 points and made a record seven three-pointers at the notoriously tough Arco Arena in Sacramento to help the Eagles win the Division III title over Sacramento 72-55.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Punch made multiple tough baskets and got to the free-throw line as the Jayhawks struggled with his physicality.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Not all musicals will be as demanding as that.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
  • My offspring are way more demanding.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Built into a hillside to withstand the searing desert heat, the visitor center is run by friendly rangers who can provide information on what’s blooming, suggest where to get a bite to eat in town, and offer trail recommendations.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026
  • To prepare trout, Walker suggests grilling, baking, or pan-searing it with simple seasonings like lemon, herbs, or garlic.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Once widespread across the Middle East, the system has been reformed to be less onerous in places like Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE in recent years.
    Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Last year, Pritzker signed an onerous bill sweetening firefighter and police pensions that will cost Chicagoans tens of millions of dollars more annually without extra help from the state.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Burdensome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burdensome. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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