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
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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
Behind the scenes, however, multiple sources say the game was beset by logistical and financial issues, including difficulties in securing corporate sponsors and a television partner—and, ultimately, paying at least one of the teams.
—
Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Frequent roster changes, unstable ownership and limited revenue contributed to the team’s difficulties according to The Kansas City Times in 1985.
—Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026
But Peter is refreshingly candid about the difficulties.
—Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
By then, the snow had blanketed the field, and the veteran kicker said the Broncos had difficulty identifying exactly where to set up for the attempt.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Frequent roster changes, unstable ownership and limited revenue contributed to the team’s difficulties according to The Kansas City Times in 1985.
—Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026
But Peter is refreshingly candid about the difficulties.
—Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
By then, the snow had blanketed the field, and the veteran kicker said the Broncos had difficulty identifying exactly where to set up for the attempt.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
-
The protests began in late December amid widespread anger over economic hardship, political repression and corruption, according to reports.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
In 2024, 35% of hardship distributions were used to avoid a home foreclosure or eviction, which remains the most common reason for this type of withdrawal, according to Vanguard.—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The complexity came with an upside.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
March is always madness, but this month intensifies matters as Mars activates your relationship zone (between March 2 and April 9), bringing complexities, buried desires and unspoken resentments to the surface.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At a City Hall news conference, the mayor responded to a question about retroactive changes to the 2026 budget, which aldermen passed over his objections last month, by reiterating the package could force personnel cuts.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
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During the certification process, members of Congress have the opportunity to object to a state’s results, which triggers debate and then a vote about whether the objection is to be upheld.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The controversy began at the end of a planning and zoning meeting last Thursday, when the council member raised concerns about Border Patrol agents stopping people in the community.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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The other new entries are DSquared2 (which featured a hot celebrity) and Dolce & Gabbana (which generated heated controversy for its model casting).—
Luke Leitch,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The risk of complications from not receiving a vitamin K shot at birth far outweighs the risks of the injection itself.—
Dr. Jade Cobern,
ABC News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Other groups that are more likely to suffer from measles complications include adults older than 20 years old, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, the federal health agency said.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That type of big-moment success was more the exception than the rule, however, in a Chiefs defensive season defined by letdowns in late, game-changing moments.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That the lawyers have been asked to come into a contract dispute between a quarterback and a college ought not surprise a soul.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
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According to the report, internal Buss family disputes led to the majority stake of the franchise being sold to Mark Walter last year.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Cumming said the city's information technology department also abruptly cut off part of her office administrator's access, including the ability to see who else in city government may be looking at whistleblower complaints and documents related to ethics investigations.—
Mike Hellgren,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Schlegel is expected to be charged via federal criminal complaint with assault on a federal officer, alien smuggling and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with Tuesday's shooting, Janke said.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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