1
as in hardship
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 complexity
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 objection
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 controversy
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 difficulty
Signs that may suggest swallowing difficulty include coughing or throat clearing during meals, needing extra time to chew food, or avoiding certain textures — especially dry or sticky foods.
—
Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
According to Souther, Perrine began experiencing involuntary shaking in 2011 that worsened with the onset of an illness that led to professional and financial difficulties.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
These compounds bind to zinc, forming complexes that your body may have difficulty absorbing.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 23 Mar. 2026
Elene Guarente and her husband have since died too, as have all the other key figures in the early investigation, compounding the difficulty facing those who have replaced Kelly.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
According to Souther, Perrine began experiencing involuntary shaking in 2011 that worsened with the onset of an illness that led to professional and financial difficulties.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
These compounds bind to zinc, forming complexes that your body may have difficulty absorbing.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 23 Mar. 2026
Elene Guarente and her husband have since died too, as have all the other key figures in the early investigation, compounding the difficulty facing those who have replaced Kelly.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
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Some lenders also offer hardship programs that temporarily reduce or pause payments for borrowers who qualify.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The storms, the flooding, the constant rain across O'ahu have affected so many of our people, especially those already facing hardship.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The opening notes of the title song introduced the exquisite complexity that characterized the album as a whole.—
Chris Young,
AJC.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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Wacksman said an education gap remains a high barrier for many prospective buyers, as most don’t fully understand the complexity of housing transactions.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The European Southern Observatory (ESO), an international astronomy research organization that operates some of the world's largest telescopes, has also filed objections against the two proposals.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The exit was over his objection to the war in Iran.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There have been controversies and debates over the extent to which the military should accommodate religious expression.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
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That measure has been consistent in recent months despite a cascade of actions, including confrontations over Greenland and an attack on Venezuela, that have generated controversy at home and abroad.—
Linley Sanders,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Because her mom had complications during the birth, the little girl stepped up to help.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
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Research has also linked poor oral health with serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and stroke.—
Rep. Jaime Foster,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But even here, there are exceptions, as with this spinach and sausage version loosely inspired by the infamous extra-crispy two-sheet lasagna from New York’s Rolo’s.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 Mar. 2026
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But in a 6-2 decision, the high court sided with Wong; citing the 14th Amendment, a majority of justices affirmed that everyone born in the United States – regardless of the citizenship or nationality of their parents – are automatic citizens, with rare and narrow exceptions.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Officers said they were called to the area for a domestic dispute.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
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Merit filed for bankruptcy last July and became embroiled in a thorny legal dispute with a former broadcasting business partner.—
Uwa Ede-Osifo,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Bianco claimed his agency was investigating a complaint from a local group alleging a possible discrepancy in which about 45,800 more votes were reported to California's Secretary of State.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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Judging from the volume and tenor of user complaints, weather might be second only to social media as a space in need of fresh disruption.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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