1
as in job
a dull, unpleasant, or difficult piece of work
one of the labors of Hercules in classical mythology was to clean out the stables of King Augeas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
a superhuman amount of labor must have gone into designing and building the pyramids of Egypt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in toil
very hard or unpleasant work
a political dissident forced to do six months of hard labor in the salt mines as punishment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in childbirth
the act or process of giving birth to children
the mother's labor lasted for six hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in production
something produced by physical or intellectual effort
a small, personal film that was clearly a labor of love for the director and actors
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to struggle
to devote serious and sustained effort
the young lawyer labored most of the weekend over the difficult legal brief
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 labor
Mike Patton, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
That sounds great to some people, but remember that restaurant owners operate on razor thin margins already and that’s a steep spike in labor costs.
—Matt Fleming, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2025
Melissah Yang, refinery29.com, 2 Mar. 2025
For many men and women who labor in the fields, the pressing concern is that contaminated crops could result in less work.
—Orlando Mayorquín, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for labor
Noun
Why would a labor president of the sixth largest union in America, one that typically favors Democrats over Republicans, come out on a major network in support of the president’s policies?
—Mike Patton, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
That sounds great to some people, but remember that restaurant owners operate on razor thin margins already and that’s a steep spike in labor costs.
—Matt Fleming, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
After hours, weeks, months spent color-correcting a scene, laboring over the intricate hem of a costume design, or perfecting the key scene in an original screenplay, these women deserve to be recognized on their special day.
—Melissah Yang, refinery29.com, 2 Mar. 2025
For many men and women who labor in the fields, the pressing concern is that contaminated crops could result in less work.
—Orlando Mayorquín, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for labor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for labor
Noun
-
The danger was obvious at Villa Park, but Justin did a better job of heading the danger away against Wolverhampton Wanderers at King Power Stadium just before Christmas… … until Wolves gathered up the second ball and Nelson Semedo clipped another high ball back into the box.—
Rob Tanner,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The venue will create 350 jobs at a base pay of $20 an hour.—
Ryan Deto,
Axios,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Newcastle suddenly had a purpose, which has always been the basis of Howe’s efforts.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Engaging in advocacy efforts, whether by contacting lawmakers or participating in petitions, can help raise awareness of the department's critical role in higher education.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The story of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and Hollywood producer who teamed up to sell a neck lift invention after 16 years of toil.—
Shikhar Sachdev,
thehustle.co,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Expect that humankind will finally be relieved of the woeful chore of everyday toil and be freer to be imaginative and creative.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
For sensitive skin or after childbirth, consider using a peri bottle (squirt bottle) or sitz bath (a warm, shallow bath in a basin placed on the toilet or in a bathtub).—
Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed,
Health,
6 Mar. 2025
-
On the latest episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Dinner's On Me podcast, the On Call actress, 39, recalled the interesting story of her childbirth.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Legend, who shares his kids with wife Chrissy Teigen, shared that his daughter Luna, 8, has a major role in her school's production of The Lion King.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Under the executive production of Mexican filmmakers Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, Gutiérrez Senger dedicated the past five years to this film, from its concept to its completion.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Still, with fewer employees, the department may struggle to meet the demands of a growing number of applicants.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
-
England have struggled at the latter position in recent years, and with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall out injured until next season, Spence could be Tuchel’s best option there already.—
Oliver Kay,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Skeptics point to volatility, security headaches, and the risk of distorting bitcoin markets if a major government holds too large a stake.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
-
These side effects include hot flashes, nausea, calf cramps, skin itching or burning, headaches, abdominal discomforts, and fatigue.18 6.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Shoppers swear by them for walking, running, lifting weights, air travel, and even long days on their feet at work.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Health providers were lauded as heroes at the start of the pandemic, and some even reported improved wellbeing at work, citing more time spent with patients and less spent on paperwork.—
Maya Goldman,
Axios,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Labor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/labor. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share