difficult

adjective

ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəlt How to pronounce difficult (audio)
Definition of difficultnext
1
as in challenging
requiring considerable physical or mental effort difficult questions on the exam that required analytical thinking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling it's a difficult situation when two of your friends are quarreling and you're trying to stay out of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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For
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a difficult task
a formidable task
a daunting task
an enormous task
a difficult time
a hard time
a stressful time
a tough time
a troubled time
a difficult subject
an uncomfortable subject
a tricky subject
a delicate subject
a painful subject
a sensitive subject

Synonym Chooser

How is the word difficult different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When would arduous be a good substitute for difficult?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could hard be used to replace difficult?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

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 difficult Yuri is at once more straightforward and more difficult to talk about as an umbrella term. —Vrai Kaiser, Them., 30 May 2025 And hegemony is difficult to maintain in the long run. —Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 The litigation in the case continues, but in the short term, many migrants will be left with difficult choices. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 Dietary fat can be difficult to digest and may cause more irritation and pain. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for difficult
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficult
  1. challenging
  2. tough
  3. hard
  4. sensitive
  5. rigorous
  6. problematic
  7. demanding
  8. formidable
Adjective
  • Building wealth can be a challenging task, especially in challenging economic times.
    — Anne-Lyse Ngatta, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Now, consumer spending has been getting a little bit more challenging.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • Their final test is the toughest in a rematch with the Edmonton Oilers, the same team that just last year took them to seven games in the Stanley Cup Final before the Panthers ultimately prevailed.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • There are powerful levers to pull if Trump chooses, like increasing US military aid or imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    — Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
Definition of hard
Adjective
  • These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.
    — Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • The lightweight formula is fragrance-free — ideal for sensitive skin — and doubles as a primer thanks to its matte finish.
    — Madison Yauger, People.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • The Bee has a rigorous policy relating to requests for anonymity.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
  • Hall, a former college football player, is quite the athlete and also gives fans a look into his rigorous workout regimen, which Khaled joined him for.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • Baltimore City Hall leaders acknowledged on Wednesday that squatting and social media networks potentially profiting from such activities are problematic.
    — Gary Collins, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
  • Some nutrients in sunflower seeds may be problematic if overconsumed.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
Definition of problematic
Adjective
  • The nausea is now mostly in the past, Lauren says, and the Lanes are realizing that getting ready for a third child isn’t as demanding as earlier preparations.
    — Nancy Kruh, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Work and home will be equally demanding, as Venus meets with Jupiter on June 4.
    — Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • Sinha’s strategic interventions have substantially scaled up businesses, powering a formidable sales pipeline by assisting the company in landing enterprise-level engagements.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 June 2025
  • Everything points to the fact that Karolína’s exceptional talent has caught the attention of the formidable and much admired choirmaster.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025
Definition of formidable

Browse Nearby Words

differs (over)
difficult
difficulties
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Difficult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficult. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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