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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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 Experiencing his last Cup Series win in 2023, Busch opened up to NASCAR icon Kevin Harvick on the Happy Hour podcast, admitting how difficult the winless stretch has been. — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 These conditions make travel difficult. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025 Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time. — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 There are very big match-ups being played week in and week out in what is one of the most difficult leagues to play in on the planet, this means the big contenders will drop points more often than in some other leagues. — Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 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
  • Having a terminal diagnosis is challenging but also clarifying.
    — Ashley M. Wilcox, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Assessing type A skills of collaboration solely from resumes can be challenging.
    — Ming-Chien Chyu, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • After some tough matchups in the Trader Joe’s Elite Sweets Tournament, one classic emerged as the champion.
    — Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That’s likely a tough pill to swallow for Gomez, who typically launches her albums at No. 1.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 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
  • In late March, four Taiwanese soldiers, three of whom were part of a unit that provides security for Taiwan’s Presidential Office, were jailed for up to seven years after being convicted of selling pictures of sensitive information to China.
    — Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Cooling, calming, and tailor-made for sensitive skin, this mask drapes delicately across your face to deliver a serious hit of cica (Centella asiatica) and allantoin—soothing redness and dryness in minutes.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.
    — Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • There are a variety of platforms that can support rigorous experimentation and analysis.
    — Roli Saxena, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • Building a Sustainable Future Compression of organizational hierarchies isn't inherently problematic, but the failure to address the human and operational needs that middle managers traditionally meet certainly is.
    — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This is especially problematic if, in these precarious times, their contacts are all similar to them.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of problematic
Adjective
  • Scene-stealing comedic parts in the Pitch Perfect franchise and on series like Modern Family led to more physically demanding opportunities in series like The Righteous Gemstones.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s a brief comparison between top programs in the United States and the United Kingdom: • U.S. Programs (e.g., Wharton, Kellogg): These are typically two years long with frequent in-person sessions; these programs offer an immersive but demanding experience.
    — Shai Zamanian, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • Her and Taylor Jones are as formidable of a frontcourt duo as any in the nation.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Connecticut’s offense is formidable, but its defense is suspect.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of formidable

Browse Nearby Words

differs (over)
difficult
difficulties
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Cite this Entry

“Difficult.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficult. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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