Synonyms of uphill

uphill 1 of 2

adjective

ˈəp-ˌhil 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• tough
• hard
• rigorous
• demanding
• formidable
• heavy
• strenuous
• complicated
• arduous
• rough
• rugged
• sweaty
• effortful
• tall
• exhausting
• grueling
• severe
• laborious
• painful
• backbreaking
• testing
• toilsome
• murderous
• herculean
• stiff
• killer
• complex
• intricate
• serious
• exacting
• hellacious
• pick-and-shovel
• problematic
• tricky
• annoying
• moiling
• stubborn
• elusive
• brutal
• bruising
• hairy
• involved
• stressful
• thorny
• oppressive
• grim
• Augean
• troublesome
• labored
• trying
• insoluble
• burdensome
• tight
• onerous
• abstract
• knotty
• abstruse
• ticklish
• spiny
• taxing
• irksome
• opaque
• bothersome
• recondite
• vexatious
• strict
• distressing
• cruel
• stringent
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• light
• simple
• soft
• effortless
• cheap
• elementary
• clear
• manageable
• undemanding
• facile
• doable
• achievable
• mindless
• uncomplicated
• smooth
• gentle
• painless
• soothing
• comforting
• relaxed
• accessible
• friendly
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

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

• hill
• incline
• ascent
• climb
• inclination
• gradient
• acclivity
• rise
• upgrade
• lean
• ridge
• diagonal
• uprise
• tilt
• pitch
• rake
• glacis
• cant
• grade
• swell
• hump
• mound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• downhill
• decline
• fall
• descent
• dip
• declivity
• hanging
• downgrade
• declension
• depression
• basin
• drop-off
• hollow
• hang

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of uphill

Adjective

These aren’t just summer sandals that look cute on camera; they’ve been vetted by people who’ve put them through airport security, long-haul flights, museum marathons, and uphill walks. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026

Egan and the Drakes think what has been contributing to the problem, Egan said, is how water flows from new development uphill. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Noun

This also means that the jacket is lightweight enough to stash on the uphill and warm enough to offer protection on the ski down. — Outside, 28 Feb. 2026

The Chiefs’ run over the last decade was akin to moving a boulder uphill. — Sam McDowell 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026