EFFORTFUL Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

effortful

adjective

ˈe-fərt-fəl

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort the book's abstruse subject matter and dense prose make for effortful reading

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of effortful Now came the surprise of my effortful steps, the shock of how unyielding the dress’s shell was, as if I were being held in place by a firm hand. —

Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026 What a transformation that would’ve been, of the effortful, unchanging days. —

Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Embodiment comes through repetition, when the nervous system begins to learn safety and repair becomes a natural reflex rather than an effortful performance. —

Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026 But that shouldn’t look too effortful, or overly dependent on novelty or shallow surrealism. —

Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effortful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for effortful

Adjective

Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.

— Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 22 June 2026
The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026