1
as in tough
difficult to endure
had the onerous and stressful job of notifying the families of soldiers killed in action
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
building the scale model of the frigate was an onerous task
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 onerous
But Oz suggested work requirements can be implemented without the onerous paperwork requirements that have been a hallmark of state attempts in the past.
—
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
Ukraine called Washington’s latest terms too onerous.
—Grady McGregor, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
In addition to discussing tariffs, the two chatted about deregulation as well as the onerous debt and deficit burden the government is facing.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
The humanitarian crisis sparked by the more than 51,000 migrants who made their way to Chicago since 2022 — when GOP Gov. Greg Abbott sent his first busload of asylum-seekers from Texas — was one of the mayor’s most onerous predicaments upon entering office.
—Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
Ukraine called Washington’s latest terms too onerous.
—Grady McGregor, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
In addition to discussing tariffs, the two chatted about deregulation as well as the onerous debt and deficit burden the government is facing.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
The humanitarian crisis sparked by the more than 51,000 migrants who made their way to Chicago since 2022 — when GOP Gov. Greg Abbott sent his first busload of asylum-seekers from Texas — was one of the mayor’s most onerous predicaments upon entering office.
—Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onerous
Adjective
-
After some tough matchups in the Trader Joe’s Elite Sweets Tournament, one classic emerged as the champion.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2025
-
That’s likely a tough pill to swallow for Gomez, who typically launches her albums at No. 1.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Having a terminal diagnosis is challenging but also clarifying.—
Ashley M. Wilcox,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
-
But in more challenging economic times, homeowners are seeking ways to make upgrades without breaking the bank.—
Janeé Bolden,
Essence,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Donald Trump defended his harsh new tariffs on Saturday Night Live this week — and maybe took a swipe at last week’s musical guest, too.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
5 Apr. 2025
-
When the father tried to explain himself, the women criticized him for being too harsh.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Plan Your Trip Charleston, South Carolina The Holy City may be blanketed in humidity in the height of summer, but Charlestonians have figured out all the best ways to deal with the oppressive air.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2025
-
In its first season, Andor was cinematic, grown-up, grounded, and urgent, running bold choices or ideas, like deftly examining how oppressive administrations exert their political power.—
Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.,
Refinery29,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Scene-stealing comedic parts in the Pitch Perfect franchise and on series like Modern Family led to more physically demanding opportunities in series like The Righteous Gemstones.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Here’s a brief comparison between top programs in the United States and the United Kingdom: • U.S. Programs (e.g., Wharton, Kellogg): These are typically two years long with frequent in-person sessions; these programs offer an immersive but demanding experience.—
Shai Zamanian,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Stir-frying is a method of quickly searing and cooking bite-size pieces of protein and vegetables in a splash of oil over high heat.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Theron’s performance as the one-armed warrior Furiosa is one for the ages—stoic, searing and unbearably emotional beneath the surface.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Many industries began to complain about burdensome regulations that were not only costly but also difficult to navigate.—
Eric Reicin,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Reworking burdensome zoning codes that slow down developments.—
Mike D'Onofrio,
Axios,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onerous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share