UPHILL Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

uphill 1 of 2

adjective

ˈəp-ˌhil

Definition of uphill

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort an uphill battle to eradicate poverty in an area of the state that has never known anything else

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

uphill

2 of 2

noun

ˈəp-ˌhil

as in hill

an upward slope no matter where you go bicycle touring, the uphills always seem to outnumber the downhills

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 uphill

Adjective

With the loss, though, the Rams will be facing a particularly uphill climb for these two teams to play each other again this season. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 Just inland and uphill from the resort areas, many Mexicans live in communities where housing might not stand up to the storm. — Fernando Llano, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Noun

But too often, getting change into a medical school curriculum is like pushing a stone uphill. — Dr. Marschall Runge, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 The moment that will likely endure from Klæbo’s perfect Olympics happened on a brutal uphill during the sprint. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uphill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uphill

Adjective

Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Noun

Article continues below this ad The scenic overlook, which rises above Lake Austin, attracts visitors looking for views of the lake, surrounding hills and downtown skyline.

— Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 29 Oct. 2026
His dad had even seen it; a form atop a hill at a local farm, screaming at the moonlight.

— Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of hill

Adjective

Such calculations are part of a wider effort to understand why molecular simulations remain challenging.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
But the shift in college athletics has required an internal reconciling that is even more challenging than the external education.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of challenging

Noun

The hiking area is extremely dangerous and known for steep inclines, loose gravel and falling rocks, according to the Italian Alpine Rescue unit, which told CNN that more than 80 people died in the Dolomites in 2026 so far.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Urevo Another advantage the unit has over an under-desk walking mat is the incline.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of incline

Adjective

In a century where the lives of billions are defined by chronic disease, demographic change, and digital systems, China has become one of the central proving grounds for some of the hardest issues in global health.

— Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Next year's public spending review — when the government sets future budgets for departments and public services — could be even harder for lawmakers who appear averse to any cuts.

— Ian King, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hard

Adjective

The chemicals subject to the new policy haven’t gone through that rigorous vetting process.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Every insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Adjective

And as routine tasks are automated, workers could lose opportunities to develop the experience needed for more demanding work.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of demanding

Browse Nearby Words

upheld

uphill

uphills

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Style

“Uphill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uphill. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of uphill

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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