1
as in tough
difficult to endure
had the onerous and stressful job of notifying the families of soldiers killed in action
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
building the scale model of the frigate was an onerous task
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of onerous
Those would provide safe and appealing crossings both for people in cars and on foot or bikes in spots where getting across now is onerous and dangerous.
—
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
By the way, the work requirements, Margaret, is not some onerous, burdensome thing.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 25 May 2025
There’s a difference between paying the tax, which is costly only for ownership, and crossing the first apron, which makes trades more difficult and comes with other onerous restrictions, including in the buyout market.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025
Moreover, the Tax Foundation this year found that the compliance costs associated with the estate tax are just as onerous as the tax itself.
—James Carter, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
By the way, the work requirements, Margaret, is not some onerous, burdensome thing.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 25 May 2025
There’s a difference between paying the tax, which is costly only for ownership, and crossing the first apron, which makes trades more difficult and comes with other onerous restrictions, including in the buyout market.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025
Moreover, the Tax Foundation this year found that the compliance costs associated with the estate tax are just as onerous as the tax itself.
—James Carter, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onerous
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits.—
Mara Santilli,
SELF,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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All of these factors combine to make AI adoption incredibly challenging, expensive and time-consuming.—
Dave Friend,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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As such, piloting an FPV drone is a completely different, entirely more challenging kettle of fish than piloting a standard camera drone.—
Sam Kieldsen,
Wired News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.—
Jamie Wilson,
Glamour,
16 June 2025
-
Unlike many traditional sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate—two common culprits behind coral bleaching—reef-safe formulas skip the harsh stuff in favor of ocean-friendly alternatives that tend to also be gentler on sensitive skin.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
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As civil war looms, their lives intertwine through unlikely alliances and emotional entanglements, until war and betrayal force difficult choices.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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The decision to leave Iran was driven by the oppressive changes following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 concerning the treatment of women.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2025
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In April 1989, pro-democracy students began protesting against the Chinese Communist government’s oppressive restrictions on freedom of speech and democratic values.—
Michelle Steel,
Oc Register,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Further stymying manufacturing’s renaissance is that plant work isn’t just dirty and physically demanding – albeit less than in prior generations – but also relatively low-paying with limited career prospects.—
Ryan Craig,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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But the plaintiffs in the case and the Biden administration said the appeals court was wrong to apply that standard and should have instead analyzed it under the most demanding level, strict scrutiny, because the law impedes adults' access to speech protected by the Constitution.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Caminero, who was hitless in his previous 17 at-bats, led off with a searing homer to left-center, hit at 109.2 mph and carrying 409 feet.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 June 2025
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Dad can whip up incredible meals with cookware that offers the searing power of stainless steel and the easy cleanup of nonstick.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Prioritize solutions that feel empowering, not burdensome.—
Miles Ward,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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Doctors complain the process is burdensome and it's often used to delay or deny medically necessary medical care for patients.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onerous. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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