Definition of arduousnext
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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 McGregor’s recovery was lengthy and arduous. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 After an arduous search, the airy, Los Angeles location near her family instantly became her spiritual home. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Someone was mad Researchers had an arduous task before them, as time damaged the inscription. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026 And for that, the FDA’s arduous approval process deserves blame. Sally C. Pipes, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for arduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arduous
Adjective
  • Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • This enduring legacy, underscores the lawyer's role as an officer of the court, preserving the rule of law even when challenging authority.
    Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Educate your family on our country’s history, both good and challenging.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Building a paper airplane can be as demanding as building the airframe of a real aircraft.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
  • Once the evaluation process is complete, the company plans to scale production to thousands of units over the next three years, targeting manufacturers seeking to automate physically demanding and hazardous work.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Every cybersecurity article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • This improves both customer and agent experience, while still meeting rigorous business standards around accuracy, reliability, and risk management.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • In the days leading up to his show, Chavarria and his team were hard at work in his make-shift studio in the 6th arrondissement.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • Closing a chapter, not the relationships For Sevy, the hardest part is closing this chapter with the people who made the place feel like home.
    Erin Jones, CBS News, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Arduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arduous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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