LABORIOUS Synonyms: 172 Similar and Opposite Words

laborious

adjective

lə-ˈbȯr-ē-əs

Definition of laborious

as in diligent

involved in often constant activity the volunteers have been commendably laborious in their cleanup of the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort the laborious task of cleaning up the oil spill

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention that report is the product of months of laborious research

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 laborious Homemade enchiladas might sound like a laborious weekend project, but with a few clever tricks, this version made with black beans and pumpkin can be whipped up on even the most hurried of work nights. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 How to ferment your own tempeh at home For those who love a kitchen task, tempeh can be made at home—though be forewarned, the preparation can be long and laborious. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Skip the laborious pounding and use cutlets instead of whole breasts. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026 How to Clean a Fireclay Sink While fireclay sinks can be easily damaged with improper care, keeping one in pristine condition doesn’t require laborious techniques or expensive cleaning products. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laborious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laborious

Adjective

Both players are diligent with preparation and exude a toughness that coaches love.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Receiving that crown of life comes through diligent prayer, and we are helped along the way at various checkpoints.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of diligent

Adjective

Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Such calculations are part of a wider effort to understand why molecular simulations remain challenging.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
But the shift in college athletics has required an internal reconciling that is even more challenging than the external education.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of challenging

Adjective

The best travel accessories are the ones that quietly earn a permanent spot in your carry-on, and Amazon’s outlet has some useful finds ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026
Emily Ratajkowski has been keeping busy in Los Angeles, mixing daring mirror selfies with a little romance.

— Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of busy

Adjective

The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Thermal equilibrium might sound like a tough concept, but hundreds of systems reach them around us on a daily basis.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

And as routine tasks are automated, workers could lose opportunities to develop the experience needed for more demanding work.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of demanding

Adjective

The couple began dating in 2018, became engaged in January 2019 and married in June of that year.

— Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
If companies want more engaged workers, ADP CEO Maria Black says CEOs and senior leaders should start by asking themselves if employees trust them.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of engaged

Adjective

Like SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, many founders in tech have moonshot performance pay packages, in which rigorous stock price growth is tied to massive pay hurdles.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Every travel story is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel products.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

laboring

laborious

laboriously

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“Laborious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laborious. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of laborious

adjective

Example Sentences

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