DIFFICULT Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'difficult' different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult . While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage. // the difficult ascent of the mountain

Q: When would 'arduous' be a good substitute for 'difficult'?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult , arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion. // the arduous task of rebuilding

Q: When could 'hard' be used to replace 'difficult'?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy. // farming is hard work

difficult

adjective

ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəlt

Definition of difficult next

as in challenging

requiring considerable physical or mental effort difficult questions on the exam that required analytical thinking

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tough

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling it's a difficult situation when two of your friends are quarreling and you're trying to stay out of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a difficult task

a complicated task

a formidable task

a daunting task

an enormous task

a challenging task

a difficult time

a hard time

a stressful time

a frustrating time

a tough time

a troubled time

a difficult subject

an uncomfortable subject

a tricky subject

a delicate subject

a painful subject

a sensitive subject

Synonym Chooser

How is the word difficult different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When would arduous be a good substitute for difficult?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could hard be used to replace difficult?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

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 difficult Whooping cough can initially be difficult to separate from other cold-causing germs that surge over the colder months. —

Alexander Tin, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025 Perry worked for a time in California, while COVID restrictions made restaurant life difficult. —

Jenny Hartley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025 The storm is expected to affect the northwest and southeastern regions of the Hawkeye State, leading to difficult travel conditions and potential delays. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025 Mitochondria normally neutralize free radicals, but, when radiation injures them, this process becomes more difficult; the free radicals then damage mitochondrial DNA, and that weakens the mitochondria further. —

Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for difficult

Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficult

Adjective

His back nine was particularly challenging as the weather conditions deteriorated, resulting in one bogey and no birdies.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
But Kirby and Danielle said the past year has been incredibly challenging.

— Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025