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
As for type 2, one of the difficulties of catching the condition in its early stages is that symptoms can develop very gradually.
—
Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
The Carolina Panthers knocked off the best team in the NFC, and the Indianapolis Colts had difficulties in a road loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Ben and Felicia Horowitz could not be reached for comment, however in a 2024 blog post, Ben Horowitz described their interest in donating to the department, stressing the importance of public safety and the difficulties public sectors have in budgeting for technology.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020 after pandemic shutdowns and financial difficulties led to multiple nationwide closures — including a yearlong hiatus at the Fifth and J streets location.
—Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Speaking at a seminar at TIFFCOM, the festival’s market arm, the team behind the five country co-production, which included Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, France, and Luxembourg, discussed the difficulties balancing the requirements of film funds from each country.
—Marcus Lim, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Just over 77% of the country was without power as of late Tuesday, according to the Jamaica Observer, a local media outlet, as the Jamaica Public Service Company, the country’s sole electricity distributor, experienced difficulties due to the storm.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Women today have more choices, but for those who choose to raise children on a remote island, that choice comes with its own difficulties.
—Sarah McCammon, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
Running an international night train is not without its difficulties.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
The Carolina Panthers knocked off the best team in the NFC, and the Indianapolis Colts had difficulties in a road loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Ben and Felicia Horowitz could not be reached for comment, however in a 2024 blog post, Ben Horowitz described their interest in donating to the department, stressing the importance of public safety and the difficulties public sectors have in budgeting for technology.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020 after pandemic shutdowns and financial difficulties led to multiple nationwide closures — including a yearlong hiatus at the Fifth and J streets location.
—Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Speaking at a seminar at TIFFCOM, the festival’s market arm, the team behind the five country co-production, which included Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, France, and Luxembourg, discussed the difficulties balancing the requirements of film funds from each country.
—Marcus Lim, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Just over 77% of the country was without power as of late Tuesday, according to the Jamaica Observer, a local media outlet, as the Jamaica Public Service Company, the country’s sole electricity distributor, experienced difficulties due to the storm.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Women today have more choices, but for those who choose to raise children on a remote island, that choice comes with its own difficulties.
—Sarah McCammon, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
Running an international night train is not without its difficulties.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulties
Noun
-
The two locations faced financial hardships.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
As one of six siblings raised by a single mother, Blatt has dealt with her share of hardships.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Before the actress, known for her iconic roles in Father of the Bride, Something’s Gotta Give, Annie Hall, and countless other films, succumbed to complications from pneumonia, she was set to drop the second installation of her home collection with the retailer Hudson Grace on November 3.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The perpétuelle montre à tact showcases many of the key refinements and complications that Breguet perfected, including automatic winding, a calendar display, and an ingenious tact mechanism for telling the time silently or in darkness.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Holder’s prosecutorial discretion also raised objections.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Penn outbid a number of other suitors for the ESPN business, and the tie-up has faced objections from investors since the very beginning.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But the monarch had no choice – Andrew’s controversies have been dogging the family for years and the publication of his accuser’s posthumous memoir was the final straw.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
With accusations, online feuds, emotional exits, and pointed jabs traded between professional dancers and contestants, the series has seen a wave of controversies that have captivated fans.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Her career began helping physicians through the early complexities of digital databases in the absence of information technology departments.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
-
For travelers, the new Delta flight route represents a more direct bridge to one of the world’s most talked-about destinations of late—both for its cultural renaissance and for its controversies and complexities.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
At the same time, exceptions to the rule (like the Thunder and Rockets) don’t necessarily mean the rule doesn’t exist for a reason.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The policy has several exceptions, including students age 21 and older as well as active-duty military members or veterans, as well as an exemption request process.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Thousands of both Christians and Muslims have been killed, with violence also stemming from non-religious disputes, such as those over natural resources.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The ongoing 36-day closure has sparked disputes over a range of topics — from the separation of powers and the federal workforce, to food assistance and air traffic control.—
Sam Gringlas,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
If someone swears on air, hosts typically apologize immediately to stay within Ofcom’s rules and avoid complaints or investigation.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Mercifully, breakfast goes by with no complaints.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulties. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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