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
Most people can enjoy sweet potato skin, but those on low-fiber diets or with swallowing difficulties may need to limit it.
—
Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2025
If left untreated, infants may experience a progressive, flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
—James Powel, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Some people with Alzheimer’s disease may have very little daily cycling of melatonin, perhaps contributing to the sleep difficulties that are a feature of the neurodegenerative disorder.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Their shared experience — and understanding of the difficulties freshmen face — has helped guide those like Flowers through Florida’s cyclonic period of the last month.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2025
If a pilot experiences difficulties, pulling a red T-handle deploys the 2,400-square-foot parachute.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
One of those difficulties was figuring out how to square the minimal and highly refined designs of Mies and Johnson with the raw and sometimes deformed materials salvaged from RedBird.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
In the New Year, his administration is considering proposing changes to the city’s local minimum wage laws for tipped workers as restaurant owners struggle with economic difficulties.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Andrews and Garner deftly convey years of love and loss, as well as the difficulties and rewards of moving on.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2025
If left untreated, infants may experience a progressive, flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
—James Powel, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Some people with Alzheimer’s disease may have very little daily cycling of melatonin, perhaps contributing to the sleep difficulties that are a feature of the neurodegenerative disorder.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Their shared experience — and understanding of the difficulties freshmen face — has helped guide those like Flowers through Florida’s cyclonic period of the last month.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2025
If a pilot experiences difficulties, pulling a red T-handle deploys the 2,400-square-foot parachute.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
One of those difficulties was figuring out how to square the minimal and highly refined designs of Mies and Johnson with the raw and sometimes deformed materials salvaged from RedBird.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
In the New Year, his administration is considering proposing changes to the city’s local minimum wage laws for tipped workers as restaurant owners struggle with economic difficulties.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Andrews and Garner deftly convey years of love and loss, as well as the difficulties and rewards of moving on.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 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
-
National news remains fixated on controversies at elite campuses, skewing the public’s perception of the institutions that serve the majority of students.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Several controversies have circled the production, including criticism from Paris Jackson.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Tigelaar held court over the discussion that flowed over topics including the complexities behind the adaptation of books to TV series, from the unique perspectives of the authors and the TV/film writers tasked with bringing their stories to life.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti, and highlights the cost and complexities of serving as part of a revolution.—
Taryn Finley,
Refinery29,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The only exceptions are Barilla Tortellini and Barilla Oven Ready Lasagne, which are made in Italy, according to NPR.—
Reia Li,
AZCentral.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The move affects general aviation and non-scheduled flights, including luxury business jets, while allowing exceptions for military and emergency operations.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 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
-
There are factories waiting in line, and there are constant complaints from members that inspections still need to be completed.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Despite those complaints, crime is down across the board in Nashville this year.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulties. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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