labored 1 of 2

Definition of laborednext

labored

2 of 2

verb

past tense of labor

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 labored
Adjective
Pope Francis recorded a pained and labored audio message Thursday to thank people for their prayers for his recovery, the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was hospitalized three weeks ago with double pneumonia. Brian Bennett, Time, 15 Oct. 2025 In its determination to make its point, Joni’s Jazz is a labor of love that still feels a little labored. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Women labored tirelessly alongside men in the fields, performed domestic work in households, advised young men to save money and go to school, and built and maintained networks that sustained local communities and transpacific ties back home in the Philippines. Sam Vong, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025 David Ward labored to haul a hoop net toward the middle of the Little Colorado River in mid-May, each step requiring him to lunge upward and forward to free a leg from the knee-deep mud of the riverbed. Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for labored
Recent Examples of Synonyms for labored
Adjective
  • It is expected to explore the use of homes that are built using pre-manufactured sections instead of completely from scratch on site.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025
  • With a bit of creativity and planning, stock cabinets (also known as pre-manufactured cabinets) can serve as the foundation for personalized storage throughout a house—even in the basement.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When one of Adam Burkhammer's foster children struggled with hyperactivity, the West Virginia legislator and his wife decided to alter their diet and remove any foods that contained synthetic dyes.
    Alan Greenblatt, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Gilgeous-Alexander -- one of only two players in the NBA averaging 30-plus points (with the Lakers’ Luka Doncic) -- struggled against the Heat’s swarming defense early, shooting 1 for 7 in a three-point first quarter and going to the half with 11.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Interactions with his wife’s family remain strained; to this day, no one has told 99-year-old Nana that Webster was in prison.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
  • That reunion marked the first time that the father and son had seen each other in 19 months amid their strained relationship.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Dumas has worked for Valero for four years but just moved to the Benicia location from Arizona a year ago, just a few months before the energy company announced a possible plan to cease or idle operations.
    Amanda Hari, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Steve Sarkisian worked for Saban twice at Alabama.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Her recent fiction can seem more contrived.
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • Rarely do these conflicts feel contrived or exaggerated.
    Judy Berman, Time, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • During his short time in office, Garfield endeavored to clean up the government.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Padilla endeavored to make his mark early.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Membership is automatic for first-time guests who book a stay at rates running $3,000 to $5,000 a night for up to 10 people.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • In 2024, some 45% of participants boosted 401(k) deferrals — on their own or as part of their plan’s automatic increases — according to Vanguard’s 2025 How America Saves report, which is based on more than 1,400 plans and nearly 5 million participants.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The 26-year-old defenseman, who had toiled for 297 AHL games before getting his first chance at the big time this season with the Bruins, signed a two-year extension with the B’s for an annual salary of $887,500 on Sunday.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Others toiled in restaurants and cleaned hotel rooms.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Labored.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/labored. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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