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
There are difficulties to it, but there are also great rewards to it.
—
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 1 June 2026
But that was only the start of Manilow’s health difficulties.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Isaji described the difficulties of such an endeavor.
—Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
The difficulty of sustaining greatness hadn’t seeped in.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 1 June 2026
But that was only the start of Manilow’s health difficulties.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Isaji described the difficulties of such an endeavor.
—Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
The difficulty of sustaining greatness hadn’t seeped in.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
-
One of our top picks for private student loan refinancing, Earnest, has low rates and hardship options like pausing or reducing payments or temporary interest rate reductions for illness, unemployment and financial distress.—
John Csiszar,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
-
According to the court, prospective military members can seek relief after the case has completely moved through the courts, while active service members face a more serious hardship by being expelled from the military.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
From the outset of his career, Papapetropoulos found this complexity fascinating and intriguing, rather than intimidating.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
At higher speeds, turbulence develops behind the ball, increasing the complexity of its movement.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The Boilermakers’ former general counsel testified Tuesday that the law firm representing the union for roughly half a century attended International Executive Council meetings held at luxury destinations — and raised no objections about the costs or attendance.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
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Sentence commutation Over the strenuous objection of fellow Democrats and many Republicans — including Peters’ prosecutor and a majority of Colorado’s election clerks — Polis commuted her sentence, clearing the way for Peters’ parole on June 1 after less than two years in prison.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Mullin is keeping them Noem had a host of controversies before her ouster.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
The act has caused controversy.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Noun
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He was given food and water, and airlifted to hospital in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, where he was treated for frostbite and other complications, according to Reuters news agency.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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That’s because addressing disease at earlier stages can help forestall potential productivity losses and costly health complications, creating substantial long-term benefits.—
Tomas J. Philipson,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
There's very little Democrats and Republicans seem to agree on these days, but Iowa's importance to their political futures is one exception.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
31 May 2026
-
On-field treatment delay Players who require on-field treatment from medical staff will have to leave the field of play for one minute after the restart, bar notable exceptions.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
In 2023, Archer settled intellectual property disputes with Boeing and its air taxi unit Wisk, and signed an agreement to collaborate on autonomous tech, and invested in the air taxi maker.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
Carney acknowledged that while the US and Canada have had disputes, the countries have always worked through them, and that a more independent Canada makes the country a better ally.—
Reuters May 28,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
No complaints about the strong, free Wi-Fi.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
And the White House has required VA officials and advocates to sign NDAs about construction on campus, drawing bipartisan complaints from Congress.—
Quil Lawrence,
NPR,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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