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
Defying those difficulties, Alex Vlack’s The Revisionist, a Tribeca world premiere, gives us not one but four main characters who are published or aspiring writers.
—
Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
If not treated, the child can experience a progressive paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
—Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
The Court of Appeals had not such difficulties and disagreed with Lindberg's argument.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
In season 5, they’re faced with even more difficulties, as Ronnie struggles to get his new e-bike business off the ground, prioritizing work and his new business partner, Courtney.
—Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
In fact, his difficulties stretch back three full years.
—Tom Williams, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Human rights advocates warn the pact could add to the difficulties of asylum seekers face while trying to find safe haven in the EU.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
Sánchez’s left-wing government is facing difficulties, including corruption scandals, while more conservative voices, such as the nationalist-populist right-wing party Vox, are rising in popularity.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
These mound hurlers had six-weeks of spring training to work out their issues and pitching difficulties.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
If not treated, the child can experience a progressive paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
—Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
The Court of Appeals had not such difficulties and disagreed with Lindberg's argument.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
In season 5, they’re faced with even more difficulties, as Ronnie struggles to get his new e-bike business off the ground, prioritizing work and his new business partner, Courtney.
—Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
In fact, his difficulties stretch back three full years.
—Tom Williams, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Human rights advocates warn the pact could add to the difficulties of asylum seekers face while trying to find safe haven in the EU.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
Sánchez’s left-wing government is facing difficulties, including corruption scandals, while more conservative voices, such as the nationalist-populist right-wing party Vox, are rising in popularity.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
These mound hurlers had six-weeks of spring training to work out their issues and pitching difficulties.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulties
Noun
-
Those were fun times despite the financial hardships.—
Barton Goldsmith,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
-
Many of the same hardships simultaneously confronted the city’s Black community.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Lucky decides to take Mason to his first baseball game in Atlanta, only to encounter a series of complications and setbacks for which fatherhood, grief, and economic barriers are a distinct part of the Black American experience.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
-
If labor comes early or complications arise, that distance becomes dangerous.—
Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams,
STAT,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Huang made his case as AI has emerged as a political flashpoint, with objections to plans to build more data centers and fears that the speed with which it’s being adopted could spur the layoffs of workers who might not have a safety net.—
Josh Boak,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
-
Add to that Wednesday’s reversal, when Republican legislative leaders rejected Kemp’s push to overhaul Georgia’s political boundaries during a special session despite the governor’s objections.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
But many other controversies did.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
The unanimous vote stood in stark contrast to many of the county’s recent controversies, including the hiring and subsequent firing of Newton, whose short tenure became mired in questions surrounding an undisclosed past business relationship with then-Chair Chris Measmer.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Enjoy this one at room temperature out of a brandy snifter in order to maximize those complexities.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
That has never been the case for the 2026 edition, especially with the complexities of the tournament being hosted between three nations — meaning three entirely independent visa processes.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The emphasis here is not on dynamics — this band just seems to roll from one moment to the next, entertainingly — but there are exceptions to that.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
21 June 2026
-
Qualifying public safety workers, like police and firefighters, with 403(b) plans are exceptions.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Community association disputes over requests for reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals as provided under the federal Fair Housing Act have grown to become fairly common over the last 10 years.—
Shari Wald Garrett,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
-
For example, the Herbert Hoover library's website emphasizes that some New Deal policies were first proposed by Hoover, while the Richard Nixon library in California was the focus of disputes over how much attention should be given to the Watergate scandal.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Just three months into his tenure, North Miami Beach City Manager Darvin Williams is facing multiple legal challenges from current and former employees, including lawsuits and federal complaints alleging workplace misconduct, retaliation and wrongful employment actions.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
The office investigates complaints filed by students, parents and advocacy groups alleging civil rights violations at schools, colleges and universities that receive federal money.—
Alia Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulties. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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