1
as in hardship
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
the many difficulties that he encountered on the road from poor orphan to head of a major corporation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complexity
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
there was a minor difficulty when we realized that the store had already closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in objection
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
the only difficulty I have with the dress is its color—does it come in anything besides purple?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of difficulty
The slumping ticket sales coincide with the program’s difficulties raising NIL funds alongside its Big Ten competition.
—
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
That is a common difficulty for all struggling teams.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
In statements to The Bee, both Toyota and Hyundai said the companies are aware that difficulty obtaining hydrogen fuel has upset their customers.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
The symptoms of the condition include chest pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
That is a common difficulty for all struggling teams.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
In statements to The Bee, both Toyota and Hyundai said the companies are aware that difficulty obtaining hydrogen fuel has upset their customers.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
The symptoms of the condition include chest pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
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Growing up in Florida as the son of Nicaraguan immigrants, Edgar Palacios saw the hardships his parents faced in pursuit of a better life for their family.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
12 Apr. 2025
-
The lawsuit specifically cites City Schools’ hardship, pointing to the district’s need to cut other projects and programs to cover the budget gap.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The scientific challenges facing the EPA are increasing in complexity.—
H. Christopher Frey,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Likewise, some recessions have occurred without a concurrent bear market, highlighting the complexity of using markets as predictive tools.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Home demolished During winter break at the University of Idaho, a demolition began of the home where the murders took place, over the objections of some of the victims' family members.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Idaho mining project has years of history The Forest Service signaled its initial approval in September, according to reporting from the Idaho Capital Sun, then held a mandatory 45-day objection period.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The sort-of antagonist in The Last of Us Part II first stirred up controversy when the game originally debuted in 2020.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Up next, a ubiquitous presence on television, unafraid of controversy, sounding off on everything from sports to pop culture to politics.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, the United States saw hundreds of thousands of cases every year, many resulting in complications like pneumonia, encephalitis and death.—
Dr. Josh Green,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Resulting high calcium levels can cause additional complications like kidney damage.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The exceptions — Canada, China and Mexico — face separate levies.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Under government efficiency, the budget requires the budget director to withhold 5% of each agency’s appropriations with exceptions for Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Department of Child Services to avoid losing matching grant funds.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
No arrests were made, and there was no further investigation into the dispute.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Approach with caution, look at reviews, and maybe don’t use your main credit card (or at least keep your bank’s dispute line handy).—
Francesca Krempa,
StyleCaster,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The recall began after a consumer made a complaint about the cans containing cashews.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Actually 2 questions: 1) Do race fans, reporters, and aficionados accept vague whiny complaints from the drivers about how the car is to blame without demanding some type of backup?—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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