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Synonym Chooser

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

The words difficult and hard are common synonyms of arduous. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could difficult be used to replace arduous?

While in some cases nearly identical to arduous, 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 is it sensible to use hard instead of arduous?

The synonyms hard and arduous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 arduous After a long and arduous campaign, Emmys weekend is finally upon us! Joe Reid, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2025 But by opening night, the movement will feel more natural to them and what now looks arduous will appear fluid and natural, if not absolutely effortless. David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025 The project takes place over the course of a year, showing the preparation required for the arduous experience as the climbers train alongside such prominent figures as Free Solo subject Alex Honnold and renowned adventurer Philip Henderson. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025 Now, advisors using BlackRock’s custom model portfolios can offer clients across the wealth spectrum different ones to choose from, rather than going through the arduous process of selecting individual investments themselves. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for arduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arduous
Adjective
  • Ncell, Nepal’s second-largest telecommunications service provider, noted that shutting down all platforms at once was, in any case, technically difficult and warned that the move would severely impact business.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Last summer, after years of hip problems and some difficult surgeries to address them, Jill had an operation that went poorly.
    Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, Earle tackled a challenging routine that impressed the judges.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Real-world tests The scientists tested THOR AI on several challenging copper, argon, and tin cases.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, also known as the StudBudz, are shifty, tough shot-making guards who can get hot in a hurry.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • And that’s tough on those guys.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On the other extreme is the argument that the dynamic is a matter of other factors, such as the types of work women choose; maternity disruptions to careers; less willingness on the whole to work long hours or more physically demanding positions; and poorer negotiation skills.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The study frames smoke-drying as a deliberate and technically demanding mortuary innovation among tropical hunter-gatherers.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For the next six years, Kira endured a rigorous drug treatment regime and was frequently in and out of hospitals.
    Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • During a break in the rigorous shooting schedule for the limited series, which also stars Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, Partridge was able to squeeze in the trip with old college friends.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Consider how closed captioning, originally developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, now benefits millions in noisy environments or when audio isn't available.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Just hard to think that’ll happen coming off the Jacksonville blowout.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • On paper, the American team looked formidable, boasting Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and other stars.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Arduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arduous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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