as in workers
a person who does very hard or dull work
they could only find work as laborers unloading cargo ships
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 laborers
Joseph, who grew up in California, was in the laborers’ union.
—
Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
In contrast, the Fraternal Order of Eagles advocated for pensions for industrial wage laborers—for people who had worked in jobs that wore out their bodies and left them physically unable to work.
—Trevor Jackson, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
In 2024, only 18% of construction laborers and 8% of retail workers in California were represented by a union.
—Nicole MacIas Garibay, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Both were huge sums at a time when male farm laborers might make about 28 pounds annually if employed year-round.
—Will Glovinsky, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
In their latest motion, Zeigler’s attorneys say that Marques’ and other judges over the years have overlooked Felton Thomas and Edward Williams — two Black laborers who testified against Zeigler at his 1976 trial — as culprits.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Later that month, ICE raided 15 metro Phoenix restaurants that federal prosecutors alleged had knowingly hired undocumented laborers.
—Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 26 Mar. 2026
In those eras, local economies thrived on demand for tools, timber, meals, and rooms for laborers chasing the next big thing.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
The relatively few wage laborers mostly lived in these towns, and the relatively few merchants traveled or arranged trade among them.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
In contrast, the Fraternal Order of Eagles advocated for pensions for industrial wage laborers—for people who had worked in jobs that wore out their bodies and left them physically unable to work.
—Trevor Jackson, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
In 2024, only 18% of construction laborers and 8% of retail workers in California were represented by a union.
—Nicole MacIas Garibay, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Both were huge sums at a time when male farm laborers might make about 28 pounds annually if employed year-round.
—Will Glovinsky, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
In their latest motion, Zeigler’s attorneys say that Marques’ and other judges over the years have overlooked Felton Thomas and Edward Williams — two Black laborers who testified against Zeigler at his 1976 trial — as culprits.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Later that month, ICE raided 15 metro Phoenix restaurants that federal prosecutors alleged had knowingly hired undocumented laborers.
—Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 26 Mar. 2026
In those eras, local economies thrived on demand for tools, timber, meals, and rooms for laborers chasing the next big thing.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
The relatively few wage laborers mostly lived in these towns, and the relatively few merchants traveled or arranged trade among them.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laborers
Noun
-
Romvari films Sasha’s efforts by combining authentic documentary elements—the adult Sasha’s interviews with real-life psychologists and social workers—and scenes featuring dramatic monologues of a rare poetic sublimity.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
In states that don’t conform to the federal tax changes, workers who receive a federal tax deduction for tips or overtime still will owe state taxes on those earnings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Army gave officers who brought along their slaves a monthly ration or its cash equivalent.—
Craig Fehrman,
Space.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
It was reserved only for slaves, criminals and political rebels.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laborers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laborers. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
