Synonyms of grueling

grueling

adjective

ˈgrü-ə-liŋ 

variants or gruelling

1

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

running a marathon is grueling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• tough
• rigorous
• demanding
• hard
• formidable
• arduous
• complicated
• strenuous
• heavy
• rough
• rugged
• exhausting
• sweaty
• effortful
• backbreaking
• laborious
• severe
• painful
• testing
• uphill
• toilsome
• tall
• herculean
• exacting
• murderous
• intricate
• complex
• killer
• hellacious
• stiff
• serious
• stressful
• brutal
• problematic
• pick-and-shovel
• moiling
• annoying
• elusive
• grim
• oppressive
• tricky
• involved
• Augean
• onerous
• stubborn
• burdensome
• bruising
• abstract
• thorny
• troublesome
• labored
• abstruse
• tight
• hairy
• insoluble
• strict
• trying
• recondite
• irksome
• knotty
• opaque
• stringent
• ticklish
• vexatious
• spiny
• cruel
• bothersome
• taxing
• distressing
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• light
• effortless
• soft
• mindless
• undemanding
• cheap
• facile
• manageable
• elementary
• uncomplicated
• clear
• doable
• achievable
• smooth
• gentle
• painless
• soothing
• comforting
• relaxed
• friendly
• accessible
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

2

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention

cutting diamonds can be grueling work

Synonyms & Similar Words

• challenging
• difficult
• demanding
• arduous
• tough
• laborious
• onerous
• burdensome
• hard
• exacting
• toilsome
• strenuous
• taxing
• killing
• formidable
• testing
• rigorous
• persnickety
• oppressive
• herculean
• rough
• rugged
• stringent
• stiff
• trying
• strict
• severe
• rigid
• stern

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• undemanding
• easy
• unchallenging
• simple
• smooth
• effortless
• nondemanding
• facile

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of grueling

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

There, homes are a bit cheaper, but Angel’s work commute would become significantly longer, extending an already grueling 60-hour week. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The stylistic approach works well enough during the many and extremely bloody action sequences, but eventually proves so relentless and lacking in modulation that the film becomes a grueling and sometimes tedious experience. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Testing a dissenting hypothesis often required weeks of alignment meetings, internal authorizations and grueling pilot programs. — Fabio Moioli, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026