as in labor
very hard or unpleasant work
the donkeywork involved in setting up one's own start-up software firm
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donkeywork
Noun
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What if these materials quietly compromise their health, pollute the planet, and support unethical labor practices?—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
10 May 2025 -
These striking and unsettling images played a key role in galvanizing Americans to push for comprehensive child labor laws.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
Noun
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However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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The project has been anchored by the relentless efforts of Wood and Orr, experts in rubbing elbows and working a crowd and the phones.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
11 May 2025
Noun
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The music goes way back and carries religious and racial context, especially roots in slavery.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
19 May 2025
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In Texas, slavery didn’t end until June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3, informing the people of Texas that all who’d been enslaved were free—the event commemorated as Juneteenth.—
Jacoba Urist,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Denver won Game 3 because Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray each scored at least 20 points, which went a long way toward subduing the struggles of Jokić.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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This news comes on the same day as the King’s niece Zara Tindall has opened up about the struggles experienced by members of the British Royal Family.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
11 May 2025
Noun
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Mind fatigue can lead to shortcuts such as not thoroughly proofing an important email or opting out of decision-making with your team.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
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And the economy-powering consumers are already showing some signs of fatigue: Sales at US retailers slowed sharply in April to 0.1% after a surge of 1.7% in March, when shoppers rushed to beat the slew of new tariffs.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
Noun
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If the high costs of repair and maintenance scare you and the thought of DIY-ing anything on your car gives you anxious sweats, fear not.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
7 May 2025
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Mexican soldiers wearing gas masks and white Hazmat suits smash through the remaining equipment in sweltering 96-degree Fahrenheit heat, stopping occasionally to mop up sweat pouring from their faces.—
Isobel Yeung,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Many of the artists who recently enjoyed major breakthroughs triumphed in their mid-twenties after long grinds.—
Elias Leight,
Billboard,
16 May 2025
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To highlight just how many players are needed to survive the grind.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
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But this season has been one of toil as well as triumph, of inconsistency and dramatic defeats such as Saturday’s 4-1 loss at Aston Villa, as well as long winning runs and historic results.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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This integration can feel challenging; for those conditioned by the violence of capitalistic toil, disrupting the autopilot of perpetual labor with rest can ironically be a very active practice.—
Akilah Sailers,
Essence,
5 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Donkeywork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donkeywork. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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