grueling

adjective

ˈgrü-ə-liŋ How to pronounce grueling (audio)
variants or gruelling
Definition of gruelingnext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grueling And that is why every game, as grueling as the 82-game season can be, likely will matter for the Heat this season. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026 There’s also Will Warren, who has pitched well of late, and Clarke Schmidt, who was activated off the IL on Wednesday after a grueling recovery from Tommy John surgery. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026 There were days during the New York Giants’ grueling training camp this summer that even left tackle Andrew Thomas, who has impeccable football character, was worn down. — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 But this one is the culmination of a grueling, nine-month rehab — which therefore occupied the bulk of Thursday’s questions. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grueling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grueling
  1. difficult
  2. challenging
  3. tough
  4. demanding
  5. rigorous
  6. arduous
  7. hard
  8. formidable
Adjective
  • Walk up to the pastry case and prepare to make some difficult decisions.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Fish can be hard to find and harder to catch this time of year, but American anglers have adapted to difficult fishing conditions.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Blocking new infections on a wider scale is far more challenging.
    — David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Ed Sheeran‘s challenging month continues as a pair of his high-profile stadium shows have been canceled due to weather.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • With phones, keys, multi-tools, flashlights, water bottles and charging cables, the modern trouser and jacket pocket has a tough job coping.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Trump’s proclamation would have delayed compliance with the tougher standards from 2027 until 2029, though EPA ultimately repealed them in February.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • More demanding data processing can take place on an external wearable hub.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Yet for blue-collar workers, staying longer in physically demanding jobs in order to reach those age milestones may be difficult, according to Stevens' proposal.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • Operating-model transformation requires both strategic vision and rigorous accountability, and only finance leaders sit at the intersection of both.
    — James Kavanaugh, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance and savings products.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • The cold temperature combined with the stickiness of any food juices that get stuck to the inside of the fridge make cleaning it arduous and time-consuming (and gross).
    — Kate McKenna, The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In April, the guitarist detailed his arduous cancer journey in an interview with Rolling Stone.
    — Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of arduous
Adjective
  • Upstairs, on the top floor, the bar serves vintage hard-to-get champagne and spirits by the glass.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • When transitioning from hard flooring to rugs or carpets, the system automatically adjusts suction levels and modifies its brush roll behavior to maximize particle pickup while preventing hair entanglements around the main rollers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of hard
Adjective
  • DeFoe has very limited experience fishing at Lake Hamilton, but his partner Gill is one of the most formidable specialists with forward-facing sonar.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Both EVs share a formidable powertrain specced for serious performance, and feature futuristic styling that wouldn't be out of place in a cyberpunk future.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of formidable

Browse Nearby Words

grudgingly
grueling
gruesome
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Cite this Entry

“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grueling. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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