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
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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
Most people can enjoy sweet potato skin, but those on low-fiber diets or with swallowing difficulties may need to limit it.
—
Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2025
If left untreated, infants may experience a progressive, flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
—James Powel, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
AmeriCorps volunteers who’d staffed recovery programs were sent home, and residents reportedly had difficulty reaching FEMA agents on the phone.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
In 2024, veterinarians found Fernando had mineralization of his aorta and aortic arterial branches, which, in recent weeks, resulted in difficulty breathing, according to the post.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2025
If left untreated, infants may experience a progressive, flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
—James Powel, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
AmeriCorps volunteers who’d staffed recovery programs were sent home, and residents reportedly had difficulty reaching FEMA agents on the phone.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
In 2024, veterinarians found Fernando had mineralization of his aorta and aortic arterial branches, which, in recent weeks, resulted in difficulty breathing, according to the post.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
-
As one of six siblings raised by a single mother, Blatt has dealt with her share of hardships.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Frohling said some in the jury pool may face hardships, such as illness, death or travel, which could potentially excuse them.—
John Diedrich,
jsonline.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Beijing has not ruled out using force to take control of the island and has ramped up the frequency and complexity of its military drills around Taiwan in recent years.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Many initiatives falter not because the technology fails, but because leadership underestimates the complexity and ongoing nature of AI work.—
Kathleen Walch,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
While some senators expressed optimism about reaching a time agreement, any single objection could stall final passage.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The judge can sustain objections to questions if foundation hasn’t been laid by previous testimony.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The season follows two Baird College students who have rekindled a tumultuous romance, but past actions and a controversy get in the way of their best intentions.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
12 Nov. 2025
-
The Senate vote to temporarily reopen the government sparked intense controversy within the Democratic Party, as a small group of its senators joined Republicans in backing a deal that did not guarantee the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, a key Democratic priority.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The perpétuelle montre à tact showcases many of the key refinements and complications that Breguet perfected, including automatic winding, a calendar display, and an ingenious tact mechanism for telling the time silently or in darkness.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
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As millions of Americans decide whether to get a covid shot this season, public health researchers worry vaccination rates will slide further, especially because Hispanic and Black Americans and those under 30 have lower rates, exposing them to serious complications such as long covid.—
Phillip Reese,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Veterans Day is a state-level holiday in almost every part of the country (Wisconsin is an exception), so your local DMV and public schools will most likely be closed for the day.—
Gordon Ebanks,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
There are few opportunities in life to wax lyrical about a ham sandwich, but the hot toasty at Mamiche (which arrives slathered in butter on a pillow-soft brioche) is the exception—the chocolate babka is also very good.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Plus, a jury acquitted a man who threw a sandwich at a federal agent, a deli and a cookbook author are in a trademark dispute, and more.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Nov. 2025
-
While carriage disputes are nothing news, and Disney has had high-profile ones with DirecTV and Charter in recent years, the YouTube TV situation is unique.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
To date, none of the criminal complaints filed in this case mention any anti-gay text messages, social media posts or comments made by the defendants, whose communications were being secretly monitored and taped by undercover informants and agents.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Shah said the news has led to over 500 complaints.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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