1
as in tough
difficult to endure
had the onerous and stressful job of notifying the families of soldiers killed in action
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
building the scale model of the frigate was an onerous task
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of onerous
Although the ink on the bilateral accord has long dried, India’s onerous regulations regarding liability issues continue to stymie American investment in Indian nuclear reactors.
—
Milan Vaishnav, Foreign Affairs, 16 July 2025
And, with a little practice, getting a steak seared right isn’t an especially onerous task.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 3 July 2025
The Bill Imposes Stringent Work Requirements On Medicaid Enrollees
The bill enacts new conditions on Medicaid eligibility, requiring individuals between the ages of 19 and 64 to work at least 80 hours per month and undertake onerous reporting requirements.
—Jamila Taylor, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Key industry players believe stablecoins will allow people and companies the ability to transfer money as digital currency anywhere in the world instantaneously, regardless of borders, without onerous and expensive bank or money transfer fees.
—Rafael Nam, NPR, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Milan Vaishnav, Foreign Affairs, 16 July 2025
And, with a little practice, getting a steak seared right isn’t an especially onerous task.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 3 July 2025
The Bill Imposes Stringent Work Requirements On Medicaid Enrollees
The bill enacts new conditions on Medicaid eligibility, requiring individuals between the ages of 19 and 64 to work at least 80 hours per month and undertake onerous reporting requirements.
—Jamila Taylor, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Key industry players believe stablecoins will allow people and companies the ability to transfer money as digital currency anywhere in the world instantaneously, regardless of borders, without onerous and expensive bank or money transfer fees.
—Rafael Nam, NPR, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onerous
Adjective
-
Lamont, who had proposed boosting special education aid by $40 million — but not until July 2026 — countered that the state budget already was on pace to exceed the budget cap and that legislators needed to make tough choices and trim spending.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
2 Aug. 2025
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Linde on Friday reported better-than-expected quarterly results Thursday, showcasing what the industrial gas giant does best when times get tough.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Playing the raid with incredibly challenging modifiers gives you a chance at a Tier 4 Playing Trials of Osiris at anything under 400 power will not give you Tier 5s, even from a flawless chest, which now has a one per week lockout.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Students who have a plan can better anticipate what to expect and manage their time and energy, even during the challenging moments. Don’t have a strategy?—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
As the moon moves through Sagittarius, a harsh reality disturbs your inner peace.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 Aug. 2025
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Unlike harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, salt effectively tackles grime while remaining safe for both wood and plastic cutting board surfaces.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Some students may face family challenges that affect their ability to get to school, and some changes to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, such as its move to online instead of paper form, could be difficult for students who only access computers at school, Maldonado said.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Diseases that are difficult to manage without early intervention, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer, place a significant burden on health care budgets and patient quality of life.—
Kim Praitano,
Sun Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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In many areas along and east of the Mississippi River, heat index values could soar to between 110 and 115 degrees — the kind of oppressive heat that can quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Generally, when dew point values climb into the 70s, the heat becomes a nuisance and feels oppressive.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
While speed-scouting for deer usually requires boots-on-the-ground, pheasant scouting isn’t usually so demanding.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
30 July 2025
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The short schedule also gave Brie and Franco the inspiration to throw themselves into the more physically demanding aspects of the roles.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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About a dozen have visited or have plans to make stops in the early primary states, such as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, 60, who in April caught attention for delivering a searing speech in New Hampshire aimed at 'do-nothing' Democrats.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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Central Florida faces another searing day Sunday with the National Weather Service placing much of the region under another heat advisory, and conditions could worsen Monday.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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Ashton Eller, vice president of governmental affairs at IMA, wrote that burdensome regulatory actions cost jobs, drive up energy prices and are counterproductive.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
29 July 2025
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The agriculture worker visa program can be costly, burdensome and limited.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onerous. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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