1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
-
This requires the difficult task of collecting precise, real-world measurements of complex nuclei and comparing the measurements with the models’ predictions.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
-
While that process may prove difficult, the suspension option was hardly better.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And for Waller, no request is too challenging.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Hired for the purpose of maintaining continuity after Rick Tocchet’s departure and because of his strong relationship with Quinn Hughes, who has since been traded, Foote’s first opportunity to serve as an NHL bench boss has been a challenging one.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Every savings article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Fairlife protein shake The Fairlife Core Power protein shake is an excellent workout supplement for those looking to boost muscle recovery following rigorous exercise.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet Emery — an intense and demanding coach — asks for specific traits from his No 10s, including the ability to shield the ball from opponents and defend as intelligently as a full-back while also offering a clear goal threat.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Juggling demanding apparitions alongside staff burnout, family pressures and a coworker who seems to know more about her than expected, the series grounds its supernatural premise in the cultural specificity of the Filipino healthcare experience.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Most importantly, Alvarado relishes in his role as a tough-nosed, point-of-attack defender, an area the Knicks have had trouble despite building a roster with notable defenders across all positions.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram's TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Until, that is, the wind shifted — turning what should have been a 10-hour trip into a far more arduous journey.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Physical rehabilitation can be a difficult and arduous process.—
William Jones,
jsonline.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But looming is the question of whether the federal immigration officers who pulled the triggers in both cases actually broke the law, a question that will come down to complicated issues that are much harder to define than the outrage that prompted calls for accountability.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Today, Honda as an example will recommend (and most do) to drive gently for the first 600 miles (avoiding hard acceleration) and to vary engine speed.—
John Paul,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Bite-sized foods like these are laborious, no question.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Prior to commercial gelatin packets, the process of making gelatin was extremely laborious, requiring cooks to extract and clarify the collagen from animal bones.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toilsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toilsome. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
