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
Methanol poisoning can cause breathing difficulty, blindness, blurred vision, seizures, comas and death, the Methanol Institute says.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Fateh, a democratic socialist, won the endorsement on July 19 at a Minneapolis DFL convention marked by difficulties and delays with the party’s electronic voting system.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
Arguments in favor of splitting up districts often revolve around the difficulties with making decisions for entire counties.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2025
Morocco's desert landscape will add to the difficulty of the training exercises.
—Emmett Prosser, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Fateh, a democratic socialist, won the endorsement on July 19 at a Minneapolis DFL convention marked by difficulties and delays with the party’s electronic voting system.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
Arguments in favor of splitting up districts often revolve around the difficulties with making decisions for entire counties.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2025
Morocco's desert landscape will add to the difficulty of the training exercises.
—Emmett Prosser, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
-
But truthfully, through the hardships come new outlooks, gratitude, positivity, and a freeing new way to see life.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
While death in any case is a tragedy, it’s exacerbated by the complexities of youth, as yet another issue young people have to grapple with along with the normal hardships of growing up, navigating your identity and trying to fit in.—
Katherine Singh,
Refinery29,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For CXOs and technology strategists, the central question becomes not only which model leads on benchmarks, but which partnership reduces lock-in, supports compliance and delivers real savings on integration complexity.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Across her nine novels, Oyeyemi has shown a restless fascination with proliferation, complexity, indeterminacy, and paradox.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
At this stage, the United States has spent plenty for Ukraine’s sovereignty — often over the objections of Trump himself, but the expenditures have been made.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
-
During the bidding process, an earlier Skydance offer was revised by the parties after considerable objections were raised by Gabelli and other investors.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Whether Sanders can overcome this buzz and controversy will remain to be seen.—
Cecil Merkerson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Ace was involved in several controversies during the season, including the heart rate challenge and Jeremiah's dumping.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Hg or higher, following growing evidence that tighter blood pressure control can help reduce the risk of serious complications.—
Matt Cannon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
-
People at higher risk of complications should always talk with their doctor about what is best for them, Sifri added.—
DEVI SHASTRI,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This obligation would apply to any interactive AI system, such as a chatbot or automated screening tool, unless the AI nature is obvious or an exception applies.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
There are exceptions — Douglas Luiz, the Brazil international midfielder set to join on loan from Juventus with an obligation/option to make the move permanent for €30m (£26m; $35m) — is 27 years old.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Tennessee Attorney General investigation raises questions about Nashville Church of Christ financial dealings and income through parking lots, while case against Grant disputes deed restriction.—
Liam Adams,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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Documenting the plan reduces the potential for disputes and creates accountability. 4.—
April Rudin,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The incident happened on Friday, July 11, a Milwaukee County law enforcement officer said in the complaint.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The complaint alleges the woman allegedly used someone’s banking information to make credit card payments.—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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