1
as in diligent
involved in often constant activity
the volunteers have been commendably laborious in their cleanup of the beach
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2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
the laborious task of cleaning up the oil spill
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3
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
that report is the product of months of laborious research
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of laborious
The medium of weaving — ancient, laborious — feels apt for Riley’s investigative project.
—
Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Growing vanilla bean pods is a laborious process—which means the beans, seeds, and any products made with them (including extracts and ice creams) are understandably pricier than imitation versions.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
Similar to the way Madueke drove at his man without hesitation, those first-time strikes were very welcome after last season, when many actions in and around the penalty area felt a bit too laborious.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Now, humanity stands at a pivotal juncture as the laborious, expensive and high-stakes process of attempting to convert such grand visions into reality is actually underway.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for laborious
Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Growing vanilla bean pods is a laborious process—which means the beans, seeds, and any products made with them (including extracts and ice creams) are understandably pricier than imitation versions.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
Similar to the way Madueke drove at his man without hesitation, those first-time strikes were very welcome after last season, when many actions in and around the penalty area felt a bit too laborious.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Now, humanity stands at a pivotal juncture as the laborious, expensive and high-stakes process of attempting to convert such grand visions into reality is actually underway.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for laborious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laborious
Adjective
-
Although some perhapsing and mythmaking inevitably find their way into The Dream Factory, Swift is far more diligent about the factual record than Greenblatt is.—
Isaac Butler,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Even diligent collateral checks aren’t foolproof, and determined fraudsters will succeed for a while.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Cue, Helm’s first rejection, abandonment, difficult emotions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
This character was actually quite difficult for me.—
Gavin J Blair,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
With launch costs extremely high, sending a large platform to orbit is challenging.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Their league schedule in the Southland Conference includes a challenging February road stretch through Texas, and non-conference begins with a high-profile matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
At 40 of the country’s busiest airports, flights coming and going will be reduced by 10% this week.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The shutdown’s ripple effects spread across nearly every part of the air travel network Friday, with the nation’s busiest airports hit hardest.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Whether or not Takaichi's administration is as tough on immigration issues as her campaign rhetoric suggests, some observers warn that failing to actively invest in and integrate foreign nationals into society will have lasting harm on Asia’s second-largest economy.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Without a consolidation of that vote in the final stretch, Mamdani appears tough to beat.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Under coach Reggie Theus, the Wildcats will face a demanding non‑conference slate that includes road games against power programs like Auburn Tigers and Miami Hurricanes.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
These roles can be physically demanding, and you will be expected to stand for long periods, lift moderate weights and move quickly in busy situations.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Try having a musician become engaged for that length of time.—
Karen Taylor Bass,
Billboard,
6 Nov. 2025
-
In the year since their split, Turner has gotten engaged to his new partner, Lana Sutton.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
-
His label pioneered the industry’s intensive training system, recruiting performers as young as elementary school age and putting them through years of rigorous preparation.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Laborious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laborious. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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