GRUELLING Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

grueling

adjective

ˈgrü-ə-liŋ

variants or gruelling

Definition of grueling

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort running a marathon is grueling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The photo, though not released to the public before Sunday, was taken in June as Kate completed the grueling Three Peaks Challenge, which saw her hike the tallest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales in just 24 hours. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 Oct. 2026 At one point, Barringer reminisced about the grueling task of curing tobacco and asked everyone who had undergone that rural North Carolina rite of passage to raise a hand. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Finally, after three grueling hours waiting in the church, Michelle was reunited with her two sons. — Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 The Dodgers not only have played more games than any other team the last two years, but their schedule has included grueling travel. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grueling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grueling

Adjective

The pilot must compensate manually using the controller, which can be difficult if the aircraft is far away or difficult to see.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
The chocolatey all-suede style was first released in October 2023 and has become increasingly difficult to track down over the years, with certain sizes commanding premium prices on the secondary market.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Manufacturing electronic devices from it remains difficult, particularly because reliably controlling its electrical properties through doping is challenging.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Porter knew Friday’s game would be a challenging one against the Tillers.

— Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of challenging

Adjective

With the balance of power in Tallahassee at stake, Miami’s Republican state senators fended off tough challenges Tuesday night, while Democratic candidates flipped several South Florida state House seats for the minority party in Florida’s capital.

— Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Whoever wins the contest will be stepping into one of the California’s toughest political jobs.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Under 1% leave during the rigorous six-month SEAL Qualification Training course, which is the final leg of the pipeline before they are assigned to a SEAL team.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
The agreement capped Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, reduced its operational centrifuge numbers, required Iran to repurpose its nuclear weapons development facilities, and established more rigorous international inspections to verify compliance.

— S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Adjective

With the election results finalized, party leaders now face the arduous task of forging a parliamentary majority of 61 seats required to swear in a government.

— Ilan Ben Zion, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Nov. 2026
The funny thing is, this time last year Roseberry had no intention of taking on the arduous course.

— Max Berlinger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of arduous

Adjective

The Chiefs have a far more difficult remaining schedule (eighth hardest) than the Broncos do (27th), per DVOA data.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
The hardest part is often matching the format to the problem rather than simply choosing what’s most convenient.

— Karen Koehler, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of hard

Adjective

Their pass defense is specifically interesting, allowing over 227 passing yards per game, even while boasting one of the most talented and formidable defensive backfields in the game.

— Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
The formidable organization of Seminole County Democrats (aka the SemDems) was clearly a factor there.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of formidable

Browse Nearby Words

grudgingly

grueling

gruesome

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“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grueling. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of grueling

adjective

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