1
as in hardships
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
the many difficulties that he encountered on the road from poor orphan to head of a major corporation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complications
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
there was a minor difficulty when we realized that the store had already closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in objections
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
the only difficulty I have with the dress is its color—does it come in anything besides purple?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in controversies
variance of opinion on a matter
the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of difficulties
The news came after the budget airline's years of financial difficulties.
—
Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
These difficulties have led the Mexican government to consider fracking, a proposal that sparked backlash from environmental organizations.
—Anabella González, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
And thank the goddess for the difficulties.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The issue has posed substantial difficulties amid an increase in tourism.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
Workers called for stronger government protection amid rising prices and difficulties in finding raw materials for their industry.
—Sylvie Corbet, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto joined a rally in Jakarta where workers called for stronger government protection from rising prices and difficulties in finding raw materials for key industries.
—Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
The justices revealed their own difficulties navigating how much phones do now.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Houston Texans have had difficulties getting beyond the wild-card round of the playoffs, which sometimes prompts some changes on a roster.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
These difficulties have led the Mexican government to consider fracking, a proposal that sparked backlash from environmental organizations.
—Anabella González, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
And thank the goddess for the difficulties.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The issue has posed substantial difficulties amid an increase in tourism.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
Workers called for stronger government protection amid rising prices and difficulties in finding raw materials for their industry.
—Sylvie Corbet, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto joined a rally in Jakarta where workers called for stronger government protection from rising prices and difficulties in finding raw materials for key industries.
—Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
The justices revealed their own difficulties navigating how much phones do now.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Houston Texans have had difficulties getting beyond the wild-card round of the playoffs, which sometimes prompts some changes on a roster.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulties
Noun
-
The elder Turner, struggling with financial hardships and mental health issues, died by suicide in 1963; his son took over the advertising company, taking on the roles of president and CEO.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
The closure comes after years of financial hardships, compounded by a recent spike in fuel prices.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Her husband died about a week later of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s, authorities said.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
While everyone can be affected by smoke or ozone, the MPCA says those at higher risk of health complications include outdoor workers, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who have heart or lung conditions.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The pope, who has consistently raised objections to the war and called for immediate peace, responded directly to the president's podcast comments, speaking to reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo on May 5.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
The company also recruited stakeholders to file objections with the Federal Communications Commission, including the protestant United Church of Christ and the Motion Picture Association of America, the Times reported in June 1985.—
Joseph Konig,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Some complaints derive from the film brushing aside many of the late King of Pop’s controversies, while others criticize the factual problems of Michael’s life and career, including missing family members.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The controversies clearly didn’t stop fans from attending, as Michael smashed the all-time record for an opening for a biopic, earning $97 million at the domestic box office and $217 million globally.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These tools are centered on navigating the complexities of Western healthcare systems, understanding the value of alternative therapies, and managing emotional, financial, and administrative burdens while holding on to hope.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Considered the gold standard of journalism excellence, the Poynter Institute is a nonprofit organization that works to address the complexities facing the news industry, support press freedoms and foster trust of information.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After a contentious four-hour-plus hearing, the city planning and zoning board voted 5-4 in support of a list of zoning waivers and exceptions that county officials say are essential for the project to move forward, but that was one vote short of the six-vote supermajority required for approval.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
-
Members have one full year from the date of purchase to return items for a replacement or refund (there are a few exceptions).—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Democrats see it as a frivolous investigation that lays the groundwork for disputes during the midterms and sows doubts about the integrity of the state’s electoral process.—
Caleb Groves,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
-
The agreement also settles two other disputes that have bogged down the case with appeals.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
If the bill passes, DDPHE would have authority under the bill and Denver's Revised Municipal Code to address public health risks when products appear misbranded, when complaints are received, or when an outbreak is suspected.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
-
Florida’s Board of Medicine reviews sensitive medical material involving practitioner complaints and their members’ names are public.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulties. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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