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
Difficulty, then, is inevitable, but learning from the difficulty is always voluntary.
—
Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025
In 2023, the actress went on a rant about the difficulties of baking a pie.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty with balance, neuropathic pain, and muscle weakness.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025
However, failure to include pharmaceutical pricing reforms that involve PBMs in the end-of-year continuing resolution, despite bipartisan support, may be a sign of political fracturing among lawmakers in 2025 and the difficulties of breaking the impasse.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for difficulty 
Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025
In 2023, the actress went on a rant about the difficulties of baking a pie.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty with balance, neuropathic pain, and muscle weakness.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025
However, failure to include pharmaceutical pricing reforms that involve PBMs in the end-of-year continuing resolution, despite bipartisan support, may be a sign of political fracturing among lawmakers in 2025 and the difficulties of breaking the impasse.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
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These statistics represent real families, each just one unexpected event away from financial hardship.—
William Mullane,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
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This comes at a moment where many Indian Tribes still face extreme hardship, and where Native communities face disproportionate risks from climate change and pollution.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Michael Flaherty Updated Jan 13, 2025 - Business Corporate spinoffs grow in size and complexity The average size of corporate spinoffs is growing, as CEOs look beyond hiving off unloved divisions and toward more complex, transformative deals.—
Dan Primack,
Axios,
6 Feb. 2025
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Because of the size and complexity of each language, most digital translators use a data connection to access servers that contain the information required to complete their translation.—
Séamus Bellamy,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This time, Saudi Arabia may be willing to enter a deal in exchange for Israel dropping its objections to the PA taking control of Gaza.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
3 Feb. 2025
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Barring an objection being filed by Tuesday, the court would be expected to direct the lower court to hold a bail hearing for Stubblefield, which his defense team intends to schedule as soon as possible.—
Robert Salonga,
The Mercury News,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The introduction of the OEP is not without controversy, as is exemplified by the case of Mike Wallace.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
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What is the controversy about Reagan National Airport?—
Ross O'Keefe,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Others may help to reduce the risk of fractures and complications.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
3 Feb. 2025
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Maida died Saturday in New York of complications resulting from a fall in December, his wife, singer-songwriter Lisa Burns-Maida, announced.—
Mike Barnes,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The airport has restrictions on the distance that flights may travel, with some exceptions for select flights beyond the perimeter.—
Jack Birle,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
30 Jan. 2025
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The exception would be those fixated on high-refresh-rate 4K play; this card pushes the upper limit of what is possible there.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The burgeoning dispute pits free speech protections against the FCC’s authority to ensure that public airwaves operate in the public interest.—
Winston Cho,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Feb. 2025
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The push follows an ongoing contract dispute between Optimum's parent company, Altice USA, and MSG Networks, which has resulted in the loss of access to MSG sports programming for thousands of customers.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Two spa businesses in Baltimore told the Banner that Tucker had been banned immediately after complaints were lodged against him.—
Doha Madani,
NBC News,
31 Jan. 2025
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The ensuing neighbor complaints paired with consistent losses from the county agricultural department, which is tasked with ensuring the crop meets state and county requirements, led supervisors to approve a temporary ban on production in December.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacramento Bee,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near difficulty
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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