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
Raising the city’s garbage fee was another structural solution that aldermen and the mayor opted to avoid because of similar political difficulties.
—
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Obviously reading at random won’t solve all the issues with unequal advances, difficulties in sustaining a career, and lack of diversity in publishing.
—Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
Microsoft, however, has acknowledged the difficulties.
—Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Finding Help Before the Damage Is Done Recognizing payment difficulties early can matter, as options often become more limited once a policy is canceled.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Aside from the schedule, Abell had to deal with the difficulties that come with being a first-year coach at an academically prestigious — and selective — private university.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026
In contrast to these difficulties in and near the city’s urban core, the apartment market is showing signs of strength lately in South San Jose.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
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
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
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Obviously reading at random won’t solve all the issues with unequal advances, difficulties in sustaining a career, and lack of diversity in publishing.
—Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
Microsoft, however, has acknowledged the difficulties.
—Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Finding Help Before the Damage Is Done Recognizing payment difficulties early can matter, as options often become more limited once a policy is canceled.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Aside from the schedule, Abell had to deal with the difficulties that come with being a first-year coach at an academically prestigious — and selective — private university.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026
In contrast to these difficulties in and near the city’s urban core, the apartment market is showing signs of strength lately in South San Jose.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulties
Noun
-
Among community theaters forced to close due to financial hardships was the nearby Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Some successes, and many hardships.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Women who are at least 16 weeks into their pregnancy can visit the OB ED for urgent issues such as severe pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or complications related to fertility.—
MemorialCare Medical Group,
Oc Register,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Hall, who died at age 63 in 2022 following health complications after hip surgery, was a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee.—
Sabienna Bowman,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This approval was granted despite objections from more than 30 consumer advocacy groups that warned the system lacked proper safety testing.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The filmmaker’s claim of innocence became a cause célèbre in Italy, leading to diplomatic pressure to transfer him, despite fierce objections by the Miami-Dade state prosecutors who convicted him.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on culinary controversies and presidential proclamations.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Minnesota has been under scrutiny in recent weeks over yearslong investigations and controversies about alleged fraud in child-care centers.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Never mind the geopolitical complexities of Chinese competitors.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The complexities of the cannabis industry are profound.—
Peter Su,
Rolling Stone,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Under that order, the government required citizens to turn in their gold in exchange for paper currency, although there were exceptions for jewelry, certain rare coins and small amounts for industrial use.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Opening arguments in a Stanford felony vandalism case began Friday amid sharp disputes over whether political views tied to Israel’s war in Gaza should factor into the trial — an issue that has shaped the case from its earliest stages.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Keeping Tabs on Car and Insurance-Related Documents Good documentation helps save time and stress during claims or disputes.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Parents of students with disabilities have increasingly resorted to filing complaints with the state over their schools’ failure to educate their children, and most of the time, state investigators have agreed.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
-
MacLeod said many of the complaints his organization hears are like the Johnsons’ and involve third-party utility billing companies hired by landlords.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulties. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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