variants
or gruelling
1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
running a marathon is grueling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
cutting diamonds can be grueling work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grueling
But alas, Netflix‘s documentary about the rise and fall of America’s Next Top Model is a rather grueling and self-serious affair which attempts to turn the reality hit that ran for 24 seasons into a cultural war crime.
—
James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
Having won 10 grueling races, that boat proved foiling could survive offshore conditions, not only flat water or short-course racing like the America’s Cup or SailGP.
—Helen Iatrou, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
When someone falls ill, the daily routine can become grueling.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
This was a grueling full-day program that required a three-times per week commitment at a clinic an hour and a half away.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grueling
James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
Having won 10 grueling races, that boat proved foiling could survive offshore conditions, not only flat water or short-course racing like the America’s Cup or SailGP.
—Helen Iatrou, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
When someone falls ill, the daily routine can become grueling.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
This was a grueling full-day program that required a three-times per week commitment at a clinic an hour and a half away.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grueling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grueling
Adjective
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But having dodged the traps of the social media news era, The Economist now faces looming long-term structural challenges that may be more difficult to avoid.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Frontflips are generally more difficult than backflips for both humans and robots.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Dorm’s New ‘Frenemy’ Their quest will be all the more challenging when a new friend (or foe) appears in the dorm.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
18 Feb. 2026
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Schedule time with a challenging book, as fresh ideas can soothe moods and moderate your protective instincts.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Takaichi has proposed tougher policies on immigration and foreigners, something that resonates with a growing frustration in Japan.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Bryant was tough to stop and scored nine of her 23 points in the first quarter.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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International trips ranged from casual travel, like sightseeing in the Scottish Highlands, to more demanding objectives, including a 10-day point-to-point ski expedition in Northern Norway and a winter camping trip in Denali National Park.—
Drew Zieff,
Outside,
17 Feb. 2026
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Sanford Meisner, the school’s legendarily demanding director, was impressed.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Steele learned early how to manage time with precision, often creating music during the narrow windows left between rigorous academic commitments.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Regarding the involvement of former CEOs in institutional decision-making, Molinaroli notes that their practical insights could be tapped more frequently through diverse councils, clear mandates, and rigorous conflict-of-interest safeguards to prevent undue influence.—
Nia Bowers,
Ascend Agency,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What followed was an arduous journey for the rapper.—
Maya Georgi,
VIBE.com,
19 Feb. 2026
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What’s more, the process of claiming residency in a new state to avoid taxes can be arduous as state tax auditors scrutinize and frequently challenge changes of filing status for wealthy taxpayers.—
Christopher Marquis,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Yes, Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin strongman, had developed a taste for wielding Russia’s hard power.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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The indoor pool and outdoor deck are just around the bend…and equally hard to leave.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Kings believe Hunter and Murray could be a formidable duo at the forward spots, giving the team two long and versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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On to Slovakia The Americans now have a semifinal date with a formidable opponent in Slovakia.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grueling. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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