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
That balance is always important, between difficulty and hand-holding.
—
Chris Plante, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
The difficulty stemmed from the large dimensions that seemed to be involved.
—Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
The seven-time Super Bowl champion spoke out last month about the difficulties of navigating his final season in the NFL at the same time as his divorce.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026
Pearce's arrest and uncertain legal ramifications add significant difficulty to the challenge of building the team's first winning season and playoff appearance since 2017.
—CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Chris Plante, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
The difficulty stemmed from the large dimensions that seemed to be involved.
—Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
The seven-time Super Bowl champion spoke out last month about the difficulties of navigating his final season in the NFL at the same time as his divorce.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026
Pearce's arrest and uncertain legal ramifications add significant difficulty to the challenge of building the team's first winning season and playoff appearance since 2017.
—CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
-
Economic hardship is pushing workers to choose cheaper travel options, some taking 30-hour trains instead of faster, costlier alternatives.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The hardships sparked mass emigration and economic collapse, leaving an even deeper mark — one that still surfaces in quiet dinners with strangers like us.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With increasing production complexity and a growing shortage of skilled labor, the Group views Physical AI systems as a robust solution to address gaps in both areas.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
One reason might be the complexity of the tax code.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
He's gotten his legislative agenda through the House and the Senate without any objection of any meaningful sort.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Praise for the post being removed More Republicans lodged their objections to the post after the video was taken down.—
Matt Brown,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Independent reported that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is also facing Epstein connected controversy over the appointment and subsequent firing of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, attended the reception.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
But the controversy surrounding the event with halftime performer Bad Bunny likely stoked additional interest.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trade rumors swirled around Skubal all winter, with his still-to-be-determined 2026 salary one of many complications in any potential deal.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Your optimism may want to assist your peers, yet outside influences could entangle you in myriad complications.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The courts have granted exceptions to a seizure without a search warrant and each specific incident should be reviewed based on its facts.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The previous system was basically a modified sudden death system that gave each team at least one chance to score — with one big exception.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
While Japan has seized fishing vessels from South Korea and Taiwan in recent years, the incident is the first involving a vessel from China since 2022 and comes against the backdrop of a major diplomatic dispute between the countries.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That was despite Kaley’s mother’s attempts to use third-party software to block access to the platforms, according to her complaint.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
In 2021, the phone call from Rhoades at the insurance department described 50-plus complaints.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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