1
as in oppressive
difficult to endure
the burdensome living conditions that the early settlers had to endure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
the burdensome task of finishing the tax return
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 burdensome
Law enforcement faces numerous challenges in closing these establishments, and municipalities are forced to create burdensome ordinances to try to keep these illicit practices out of their communities.
—
Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Limiting consumer choices while imposing expensive costs on residents already struggling to absorb the state’s high and ever-increasing cost of living is also burdensome.
—Phillip Molnar, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025
These protections, granted at a time when the auto industry boomed and no hint of competition from foreign automakers crested the horizon, would not be considered burdensome for the Detroit Three for decades.
—Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Tavares is still playing second-line centre, a burdensome role, and even stepped into the top spot when Auston Matthews has been out with injury.
—Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burdensome
Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Limiting consumer choices while imposing expensive costs on residents already struggling to absorb the state’s high and ever-increasing cost of living is also burdensome.
—Phillip Molnar, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025
These protections, granted at a time when the auto industry boomed and no hint of competition from foreign automakers crested the horizon, would not be considered burdensome for the Detroit Three for decades.
—Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Tavares is still playing second-line centre, a burdensome role, and even stepped into the top spot when Auston Matthews has been out with injury.
—Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burdensome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burdensome
Adjective
-
This gripping series takes viewers into insidious modern-day cults through the unique lens of members who endured unspeakable trauma and the shocking investigations into these oppressive groups.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Dominic Frey is a member of the oppressive class and everything Silas should despise — but now their mutual discretion is all that’s keeping them from punishment for their crimes of passion.—
Olivia Waite,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
With a very small majority, and assuming united Democratic opposition, finding House votes in support of a final budget package will be very challenging.—
Richard McGahey,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Luise, what was the most challenging aspect of this film for you?—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The 79-year-old Oscar winner embraces the challenging role of the Dutton family matriarch alongside co-star Harrison Ford, confronting everything from mountain lions to the harsh realities of frontier life.—
Holly Williams,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Her lyric vocal writing contends with harsh reality, but her style is never far from profound rapture.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
But their happy romance is soon demolished when Jenny reappears in their lives, thrusting all three into a difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
7 Mar. 2025
-
These protein complexes are highly shape-shifting, making traditional imaging methods very difficult.—
Priyanka Naik,
The Conversation,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Ties during Trump’s first term One of the hallmarks of the first Trump Administration was a tougher stance towards China compared to his predecessors, through tit-for-tat tariffs and an Indo-Pacific strategy that aimed to curb Beijing’s growing influence in the Western Pacific.—
Chad de Guzman,
TIME,
27 Feb. 2025
-
How to Bet Timberwolves vs. Lakers Following up a game like Tuesday's would be tough for the Wolves under any circumstances, but with Edwards battling a calf injury and DiVincenzo potentially sidelined, beating the Lakers in L.A. will be that much more difficult.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As agriculture became less demanding, the sector required fewer workers, enabling erstwhile farmers to work in a spectrum of other trades, including the high-technology industries of each generation, such as textiles, telegraphs, and telecommunications.—
Matthew J. Slaughter,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Find early investors in your circle of family and friends, since outside investors may be very demanding on equity and content and normally require at least a prototype to start.—
Martin Zwilling,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Hackman’s searing turn as the hyper, gum-smacking Doyle in the documentary-style French Connection distinguished him as a leading man.—
Duane Byrge,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Bouchard’s five-on-five on-ice outscoring is a searing total.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The change would ease the tax pinch on marijuana businesses, which are now burdened with onerous financial restrictions under federal prohibition. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
-
After days of wrangling in which Zelensky alleged he was being pressured to sign a deal giving the U.S. the right to $500 billion in revenues, media outlets reported an agreement far less onerous on Ukraine's future generations had been struck.—
John Feng,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burdensome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burdensome. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share