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
This is only one of many physically grueling scenes from Theron’s upcoming film Apex.
—
Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
While Wrexham have had the luxury of an entire week to prepare for this game, Chelsea come into it off the back of a gruelling schedule, having travelled to both Arsenal and Aston Villa — two of the current top four in the Premier League — in the space of three days.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Training regimens are as grueling as those of any Olympic gold medalist.
—Oksana Masters, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
The question is whether ambition can translate into results across the grueling, multiyear gauntlet of English football’s promotion system.
—Ryan Brennan
march 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grueling
Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
While Wrexham have had the luxury of an entire week to prepare for this game, Chelsea come into it off the back of a gruelling schedule, having travelled to both Arsenal and Aston Villa — two of the current top four in the Premier League — in the space of three days.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Training regimens are as grueling as those of any Olympic gold medalist.
—Oksana Masters, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
The question is whether ambition can translate into results across the grueling, multiyear gauntlet of English football’s promotion system.
—Ryan Brennan
march 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grueling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grueling
Adjective
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Anyone who has seen the way the space works today can recognize that there are a lot of families who find this very, very difficult right now.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
9 Mar. 2026
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Demonstrating that was difficult due to natural fluctuations in temperatures.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The still-to-close merger, announced on social media Tuesday, will maintain separate brands while sharing brewing facilities and other resources, helping both companies navigate a challenging craft beer industry and explore new opportunities for growth.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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This means 26 wines, which has proven a challenging but really fun experience.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In 2008, Klay Thompson of Santa Margarita scored 37 points and made a record seven three-pointers at the notoriously tough Arco Arena in Sacramento to help the Eagles win the Division III title over Sacramento 72-55.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Punch made multiple tough baskets and got to the free-throw line as the Jayhawks struggled with his physicality.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Not all musicals will be as demanding as that.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
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My offspring are way more demanding.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Keys said part of the challenge was attracting new high school students because of the academy’s rigorous curriculum.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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All attendees would have to undergo rigorous COVID testing.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Matty Regan is one of the state’s top forwards, on the verge of 50 points despite an arduous schedule.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
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Maybe these talented hopefuls should stick to writing and forego the arduous road of becoming a full-time artist.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Perry would have to hit four more free throws in the final 12 seconds, all after taking a hard foul to the head.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
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One thing to mention—the floors are made of stone and extremely hard.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Combined with their high reproduction rate, containment is a formidable challenge for state wildlife managers.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
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The task was formidable, but not because of Moy Sing’s lack of wealth or social prominence.—
Charlotte Brooks,
Big Think,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grueling. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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