1
as in oppressive
difficult to endure
the burdensome living conditions that the early settlers had to endure
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2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
the burdensome task of finishing the tax return
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Recent Examples of burdensome
In fact, it is quite often seen by local decision makers as costly and burdensome, or in any case failing to generate revenue.
—
Russell Hancock, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Kicking back against State Farm’s claim that the discovery order was burdensome, the AG’s petition noted that State Farm, which announced a recent valuation of $170 billion with $25 billion in growth over the last year, was a big enough company to handle any discovery order.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Mar. 2026
For some, the speed and weight of the government’s decisions may feel too burdensome to bear.
—Essence, 26 Mar. 2026
The good son, the sacrificer, has become the problem child, unemployed and burdensome, hiding in his childhood bedroom with the door shut.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burdensome
Russell Hancock, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Kicking back against State Farm’s claim that the discovery order was burdensome, the AG’s petition noted that State Farm, which announced a recent valuation of $170 billion with $25 billion in growth over the last year, was a big enough company to handle any discovery order.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Mar. 2026
For some, the speed and weight of the government’s decisions may feel too burdensome to bear.
—Essence, 26 Mar. 2026
The good son, the sacrificer, has become the problem child, unemployed and burdensome, hiding in his childhood bedroom with the door shut.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burdensome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burdensome
Adjective
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Refusing to abide by aspects of the oppressive and budget-busting Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is as good a place to start as any.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The third was to free the Iranian people from a brutally oppressive government and move the country toward democratic representation reflecting the aspirations and talents of its 90 million people.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Without adequate feedback, support and professional development, employees are likely to seek a more challenging environment.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2026
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Engage your brain through reading and intellectually challenging tasks.—
Rob Williams,
EverydayHealth.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The lawyers also argue that Combs' sentence was too harsh, saying the trial judge wrongly based it in part on a conclusion that the crimes involved fraud and coercion and that Combs was a leader or organizer of criminal activity.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Focused on a 2021 expedition in which Icelandic climber John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the Pakistani father-and-son team Ali and Sajid Sadpara attempt to become the first to summit K2 in winter, when conditions are at their harshest.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Such claims of penury, however, were difficult to square with certain facts.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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Over time, my relationship with my wife has become very difficult.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
-
One factor is that the Highlanders, a Division 3 team, haven’t faced the toughest schedule.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The hours were long, stressful, and emotionally demanding.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Wheeler coach Larry Thompson saw Landrew’s basketball IQ and physical toughness lead his team through some of its most demanding moments.—
Jack Leo,
AJC.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The term refers to warmer-than-average waters along the equatorial Pacific that can influence weather across the globe, raising the odds of searing drought in some regions and torrential rain in others.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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Paramount+’s The Madison is a tale of two shows, one a dire lampooning of snooty New York elites and one a searing portrait of grief and healing anchored by Pfeiffer’s raw intensity.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Over 63% of California’s oil is imported and will go higher as refineries close, thanks to state regulations being so onerous.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The Tua Tagovailoa/Mike McDaniel era ultimately failed, now Dolfans are being begged for yet more patience as the onerous burden of Tagovailoa’s contract impinges on the rebuild.—
Greg Cote
April 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burdensome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burdensome. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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