1
as in tough
difficult to endure
had the onerous and stressful job of notifying the families of soldiers killed in action
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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
The topics were assigned on Monday, due on Friday, and at only a page, were not onerous.
—
Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The cost of government is another significant driver of affordability, or the lack thereof, and California’s is one of the most onerous.
—Adam B. Summers, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
The cost of government is another significant driver of affordability, or the lack thereof, and California’s is one of the most onerous.
—Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
This overreach and weaponization of the government manifested especially clearly in burdensome regulations and guidance; in extensive and onerous supervisions; in investigations and cases, frequently leading to crushing penalties and injunctive terms unrelated to actual harm.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The cost of government is another significant driver of affordability, or the lack thereof, and California’s is one of the most onerous.
—Adam B. Summers, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
The cost of government is another significant driver of affordability, or the lack thereof, and California’s is one of the most onerous.
—Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
This overreach and weaponization of the government manifested especially clearly in burdensome regulations and guidance; in extensive and onerous supervisions; in investigations and cases, frequently leading to crushing penalties and injunctive terms unrelated to actual harm.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onerous
Adjective
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Takaichi has proposed tougher policies on immigration and foreigners, something that resonates with a growing frustration in Japan.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Bryant was tough to stop and scored nine of her 23 points in the first quarter.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Dorm’s New ‘Frenemy’ Their quest will be all the more challenging when a new friend (or foe) appears in the dorm.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
18 Feb. 2026
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Schedule time with a challenging book, as fresh ideas can soothe moods and moderate your protective instincts.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Prosecutors say the defendant failed to take into account his girlfriend’s inexperience in mountain climbing as well as the harsh winter conditions.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Bathroom Fixtures There are no harsh or abrasive chemicals involved in steam cleaning bathroom fixtures.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The voracious reader said that the best books, those that brought him happiness, were not the ones that ease our way in this strange and difficult world.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
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Local farmers work long hours, often under difficult conditions, to ensure our food supply remains steady.—
Joe Dymek,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Some are violent in nature, showing guns pointing at the oppressive establishment, usually portrayed as pigs.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
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Joan Almedilla, who plays Aurora Aquino in the Taper production, said her wish is for audiences to feel a collective call-to-action against oppressive leaders.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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International trips ranged from casual travel, like sightseeing in the Scottish Highlands, to more demanding objectives, including a 10-day point-to-point ski expedition in Northern Norway and a winter camping trip in Denali National Park.—
Drew Zieff,
Outside,
17 Feb. 2026
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Sanford Meisner, the school’s legendarily demanding director, was impressed.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Saturated in the heatwave colors of Australia’s scorching Red Center, with its searing blue skies and bright orange sands, Wolfram makes the grim, lawless backwater of Wake in Fright seem positively cosmopolitan by comparison.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
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Caramelizing lemon — by grilling, searing or sauteéing — is done in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.—
Carolynn Carreño,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But Republicans have said some Democratic demands are too burdensome, leaving it unclear how or when both sides will reach an agreement.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, Texas must continue cutting burdensome regulations that slow infrastructure development and threaten grid reliability.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Onerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onerous. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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