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For
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a difficult task
a formidable task
a daunting task
an enormous task
a difficult time
a hard time
a stressful time
a tough time
a troubled time
a difficult subject
an uncomfortable subject
a tricky subject
a delicate subject
a painful subject
a sensitive subject

Synonym Chooser

How is the word difficult different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When would arduous be a good substitute for difficult?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could hard be used to replace difficult?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of difficult The profit model for these outlets has also proven difficult to sustain as once-steady advertising revenue buckles, leading many companies to consolidate or restructure. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 9 June 2025 Numerous international parallels are not difficult to make. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 9 June 2025 Some of them are here, probably under difficult situations. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025 These connections are difficult to make from within, but consultants are trained to see across boundaries. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for difficult
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficult
Adjective
  • Oakmont is a notoriously challenging course, a venue that has already seen big-name players like defending champion Bryson DeChambeau fail to make it through to the last two rounds.
    Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
  • Dumping syndrome can be more challenging to diagnose in children.
    Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • In Mind For startups, achieving more with less can be tough.
    John Hall, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The vote took place against an increasingly violent backlash to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • This principle, applied across all workloads, is instrumental for reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
    Ben Blanquera, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Amino acids are more easily absorbed than proteins and do not damage the intestinal environment, which means even those with sensitive digestions can take them.
    MISAKI KAWATSU, Vogue, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The next afternoon, Gomes sat in and watched Ohtani throw a rigorous bullpen session to simulate multiple innings.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • Adopt a zero-trust security model that emphasizes rigorous access rules and constant authentication.
    Rob Lydic, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Attempts to stem the flow of materials that could aid Kim's nuclear program became even more problematic last year when Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of a panel of experts enforcing sanctions on North Korea.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • And if that decline becomes problematic, it will likely be tied to physical decline that makes an LTIR exit viable.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • All have long-standing reputations and a superb stock that will meet the requirements of the most demanding connoisseur.
    Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Liberatore is a professional shaped by the demanding and deeply influential disciplines of medicine and law.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Soon after, he was joined by his brother, Tonga Loa, creating a formidable new tag team within the group.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Krishnamurthi is also a star cricket player for the U.S. senior national team, a contributor to their recent run of strong form that included a win over a formidable Pakistan team in the T20 World Cup last year.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Difficult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficult. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on difficult

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