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
Parents may notice irritability, difficulty concentrating or early bedtime resistance during the first few days after the change.
—
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
As for type 2, one of the difficulties of catching the condition in its early stages is that symptoms can develop very gradually.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
The Carolina Panthers knocked off the best team in the NFC, and the Indianapolis Colts had difficulties in a road loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Ben and Felicia Horowitz could not be reached for comment, however in a 2024 blog post, Ben Horowitz described their interest in donating to the department, stressing the importance of public safety and the difficulties public sectors have in budgeting for technology.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
As for type 2, one of the difficulties of catching the condition in its early stages is that symptoms can develop very gradually.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
The Carolina Panthers knocked off the best team in the NFC, and the Indianapolis Colts had difficulties in a road loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Ben and Felicia Horowitz could not be reached for comment, however in a 2024 blog post, Ben Horowitz described their interest in donating to the department, stressing the importance of public safety and the difficulties public sectors have in budgeting for technology.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
-
Below, Deadline speaks to Victor about their directorial debut, building a loving friendship and getting through the unspeakable hardships that life can throw at you.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Now employers must show a substantial hardship when refusing to honor religious beliefs or practices, such as allowing employees to wear a yarmulke, hijab or turban, pray at work or to schedule work around religious observances.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The only divorce thus far that really digs into the complexity of these kinds of cases is Allura’s, which is rife with hyperbolic, soapy drama.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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Still, the team notes that the real world adds complexity.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
No one in an NFL building is going to raise an objection when team brass decides to honor team ownership.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
This was an objection that was raised in the ancient world, and that persisted through the time of Galileo.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The controversy that blew open a typically staid attorney general race stemmed from 2022 messages Jones sent to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But the mall’s boss has looked to exploit the controversy.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Most cases clear up on their own without complications, but parents should contact a doctor if a child cannot keep fluids down, has a high fever lasting more than a few days or seems unusually drowsy or irritable.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Diversity in the blood donation supply is particularly important for patients with sickle cell disease, who need frequent blood transfusions to prevent complications from their disease, according to the American Red Cross.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Excellence will become the expectation across government, not the exception.—
TIME Video,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The only exception is if the registration deadline falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, according to the Secretary of State website.—
Mariyam Muhammad,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Diplomacy is critical to resolve disputes such as the Helmand River conflict, while the government must manage human and economic effects—such as shrinking harvests and salt-dust health risks.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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The streaming service lost 21 channels after the live TV provider's contract dispute with The Walt Disney Company ended in an impasse.—
Jenny Porter Tilley,
Louisville Courier Journal,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In searching homes on Friday, FBI agents found multiple AR-15-style rifles, shotguns, handguns and tactical vets, as well as more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition compatible with the AR-15-style rifles, the complaint said.—
Luke Barr,
ABC News,
3 Nov. 2025
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That’s not disclosed in the complaint, and the suit doesn’t currently include any exhibits or additional documents backing up the allegations.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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