TOILSOME Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

toilsome

adjective

ˈtȯi(-ə)l-səm

Definition of toilsome

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort faced with the toilsome task of cleaning out her deceased father's homestead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention this is the most toilsome part of the construction, so we'll go slowly to make sure we're doing it right

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 toilsome Meanwhile, Republicans lacked the votes to pass anything so their amendments tended to be trollish and toilsome fliers meant to either own the libs or just annoy the legislators. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, 9 Aug. 2022 Though the third quarter was significantly better for Netflix than its previous quarter, the company signaled that there could be toilsome times ahead. — Natalie Jarvey, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Oct. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toilsome

Adjective

Finding people at high risk of incubating the Bundibugyo virus, also known as contact tracing, has proved difficult in Congo.

— CONSTANT SAME BAGALWA, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
McKinsey’s data says some of those moves can be difficult for certain workers.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Until now, scientists could measure the total phosphorus preserved in ancient rocks, but determining the share that was actually available to marine life remained challenging.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Alas, its path appears quite challenging, given that Digger earned a C+ CinemaScore from audiences and holds a 51 percent approval from reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of challenging

Adjective

Operating-model transformation requires both strategic vision and rigorous accountability, and only finance leaders sit at the intersection of both.

— James Kavanaugh, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance and savings products.

— Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Adjective

The conductors who oversee the recording of the movie scores are portrayed as hyper-demanding corporate perfectionists.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Quantum computers could eventually solve very demanding computational problems much faster than regular computers.

— Sophya Garashchuk, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of demanding

Adjective

With phones, keys, multi-tools, flashlights, water bottles and charging cables, the modern trouser and jacket pocket has a tough job coping.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Trump’s proclamation would have delayed compliance with the tougher standards from 2027 until 2029, though EPA ultimately repealed them in February.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

The Washington is typically deployed to Pacific Ocean but it was moved to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose arduous deployment resulted in the crew being at sea for more than 260 days straight.

— Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Berger credited Berger and Ross for pushing the extra mile on the film, while his energy levels were low after an arduous months-long edit process.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of arduous

Adjective

Upstairs, on the top floor, the bar serves vintage hard-to-get champagne and spirits by the glass.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
When transitioning from hard flooring to rugs or carpets, the system automatically adjusts suction levels and modifies its brush roll behavior to maximize particle pickup while preventing hair entanglements around the main rollers.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of hard

Adjective

How to ferment your own tempeh at home For those who love a kitchen task, tempeh can be made at home—though be forewarned, the preparation can be long and laborious.

— Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
Skip the laborious pounding and use cutlets instead of whole breasts.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of laborious

Browse Nearby Words

toils

toilsome

token

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“Toilsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toilsome. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of toilsome

adjective

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