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
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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
Common reasons to grant extensions include if the resident is applying for FEMA funds, facing difficulties finding a contractor or working through an insurance claim.
—
Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Maybe so—and a coming wave of insider stories attesting to Weiss’s difficulties in asserting her authority strikes me as the most inevitable outcome of this affair.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Caleb Ragland, a Kentucky farmer who serves as president of the American Soybean Association, welcomed Trump acknowledging the difficulties faced by farmers.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Still, despite his difficulties, Verstappen remained within touching distance of Russell even as Norris crept up behind him.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Steps toward domestic reform While external factors have taken a toll, the persistent economic difficulties facing Cubans are also self-inflicted by the government.
—Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Woolf said that those with the condition may also be given antidepressants to treat low mood or mood stabilizers to manage manic symptoms, which can include elevated mood, impulsive behavior and sleep difficulties.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Autism symptoms in adults often include social communication difficulties, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
—Laura Dorwart, Health, 29 Sep. 2025
Journalists and filmmakers and cinema itself are facing growing political threats and increasing difficulties, according to film industry reps at the Zurich Summit on Saturday.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Maybe so—and a coming wave of insider stories attesting to Weiss’s difficulties in asserting her authority strikes me as the most inevitable outcome of this affair.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Caleb Ragland, a Kentucky farmer who serves as president of the American Soybean Association, welcomed Trump acknowledging the difficulties faced by farmers.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Still, despite his difficulties, Verstappen remained within touching distance of Russell even as Norris crept up behind him.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Steps toward domestic reform While external factors have taken a toll, the persistent economic difficulties facing Cubans are also self-inflicted by the government.
—Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Woolf said that those with the condition may also be given antidepressants to treat low mood or mood stabilizers to manage manic symptoms, which can include elevated mood, impulsive behavior and sleep difficulties.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Autism symptoms in adults often include social communication difficulties, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
—Laura Dorwart, Health, 29 Sep. 2025
Journalists and filmmakers and cinema itself are facing growing political threats and increasing difficulties, according to film industry reps at the Zurich Summit on Saturday.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulties
Noun
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Benedict Arnold’s boot wouldn’t come off, and other hardships from my weekend in the Revolutionary War.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Government shutdowns can create hardships for Americans who rely on government services and for those who work in the federal government.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Nanoplastics and microplastics have both been linked to serious and long-term health complications, including respiratory and reproductive issues, brain and nerve toxicity, and cancer risks.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
9 Oct. 2025
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The repercussions have bled into the music industry, with foreign or Mexican acts being forced to cancel shows or perform under the threat of legal complications.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But over these objections, the school administration, following district protocol, facilitated the sixth grader’s in-school gender transition behind their backs, Foote and Silvestri told the Supreme Court.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Oct. 2025
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However, there have been widespread objections over these facilities’ potential resource depletion, particularly water.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Other cases Not all the big controversies at the court this term are focused on the powers of the president.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
6 Oct. 2025
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Swift has always been known to use her songs not only to tell personal stories but also to reference figures from pop culture, her romantic life, and past controversies.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The titillating drama explores the complexities of dominant-submissive relationships and fetishes, as Ray gets aroused by making Colin lick his boots, buy his groceries and sleep at the foot of his bed.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
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My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Limited exceptions will be made for good cause, like caring for young children and health issues, but the principle is clear—those who can work, should.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
-
His 15-year probation sentence banned him from his hometown, only making exceptions for specific events such as free concerts for fans and charitable purposes.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In New York, carrier disputes over the Knicks’ MSG Network have gone all the way up to the state’s attorney general.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
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The prisoner list exchange represents progress, but negotiations must continue to resolve disputes over timing, reconstruction, and security guarantees.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There are allegations toilets have been left uncleaned, bins unemptied, and pitch perimeters worn and littered, with complaints made that there are not enough maintenance staff employed to maintain standards.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The civil complaints detail past fatal incidents involving occupants becoming trapped inside Cybertrucks.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulties. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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