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
Issues could include insomnia, aggression, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to psychotropic medication and exacerbation of existing mental illness -- like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
—
Mark Prussin,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
Developed with some difficulty due to the material, which both financiers and some actors found too risqué, Sunday Bloody Sunday was eventually released to considerable acclaim, earning four nominations at the 1972 Academy Awards.
—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
28 June 2026
Congress has had difficulty discharging its lawmaking duties.
—
Kevin R. Kosar,
The Washington Examiner,
28 June 2026
After a 5-1 friendly defeat against the United States last November, the self-aware Bielsa admitted to some of his difficulties in managing the squad.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Mark Prussin,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
Developed with some difficulty due to the material, which both financiers and some actors found too risqué, Sunday Bloody Sunday was eventually released to considerable acclaim, earning four nominations at the 1972 Academy Awards.
—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
28 June 2026
Congress has had difficulty discharging its lawmaking duties.
—
Kevin R. Kosar,
The Washington Examiner,
28 June 2026
After a 5-1 friendly defeat against the United States last November, the self-aware Bielsa admitted to some of his difficulties in managing the squad.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
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My history has been shaped by hardship, self-discovery and a relentless pursuit of purpose.
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So as opposed to, say, inspiring American leaders of all kinds, like a real explanation of the character of Harriet Tubman or of Chief Joseph or Americans struggled against real hardships.
Noun
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Three extraordinary new books, published this year, shed light on the brilliance and complexity of Morrison’s life and work, and place her as an American eminence, a visionary who saw fiction as a means through which to recast her country’s story.
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The story explores family trauma, friendship, healing and the complexities of navigating life as a Black woman.
Noun
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For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
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Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
Noun
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Test your knowledge of cruise controversies, wedding whispers and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.
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Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
Noun
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Among the potential complications are severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and loss of fluid volume in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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The babies, who were about 17 days old, had no complications other than prematurity, the summary said.
Noun
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The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions.
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While the majority of states have lieutenant governors, there are exceptions.
Noun
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The legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and pricing control.
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The dispute over Mississippi's law dates back to 2024, when the Republican National Committee and Mississippi's Libertarian Party filed lawsuits challenging the ballot-receipt deadline.
Noun
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The air district is still encouraging residents to report odors to its online complaint system or by calling (800) 288-7664.
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The dietitian thought there might be a correlation, according to an internal Abbott summary of the complaint shown during Colombo’s deposition.
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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