1
as in hardships
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
the many difficulties that he encountered on the road from poor orphan to head of a major corporation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complications
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
there was a minor difficulty when we realized that the store had already closed
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in objections
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
the only difficulty I have with the dress is its color—does it come in anything besides purple?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in controversies
variance of opinion on a matter
the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of difficulties
The justices revealed their own difficulties navigating how much phones do now.
—
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Houston Texans have had difficulties getting beyond the wild-card round of the playoffs, which sometimes prompts some changes on a roster.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
This challenge further increases the difficulties this segment faces.
—Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
But Proctor, with the help of veteran teammates such as Dallas guard Tyler Booker, a 2025 first-round pick, overcame his difficulties, as well as a shoulder injury in 2024 and weight problems, to become one of the draft’s top offensive line prospects.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
But there were three problems of Kaluza’s theory that posed difficulties.
—Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
Screen time is associated with concentration difficulties and a slower pace of new learning.
—Mary Jean Tecce Decarlo, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026
Horner testified about difficulties during her upbringing.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Childhood abuse is often discussed in terms of emotional pain, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties later in life.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Houston Texans have had difficulties getting beyond the wild-card round of the playoffs, which sometimes prompts some changes on a roster.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
This challenge further increases the difficulties this segment faces.
—Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
But Proctor, with the help of veteran teammates such as Dallas guard Tyler Booker, a 2025 first-round pick, overcame his difficulties, as well as a shoulder injury in 2024 and weight problems, to become one of the draft’s top offensive line prospects.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
But there were three problems of Kaluza’s theory that posed difficulties.
—Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
Screen time is associated with concentration difficulties and a slower pace of new learning.
—Mary Jean Tecce Decarlo, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026
Horner testified about difficulties during her upbringing.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Childhood abuse is often discussed in terms of emotional pain, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties later in life.
—Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulties
Noun
-
Economic hardships are seen across the city, and these devices remove an option for many to make a living.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Shipwrecks are frequent along these routes, particularly in the western Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors, where thousands of migrants risk their lives each year fleeing conflict, poverty and climate-related hardships.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Betts, who had not been wearing a seatbelt, died three months later from complications of her blunt force trauma injuries.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Since its debut, chickenpox cases—and complications—have declined dramatically.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
When Joseph pops his head into the studio, insisting, over Gordy’s objections, that Michael has taken up too much of his time, Michael hugs Gordy goodbye.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Hegseth forced out the army chief of staff, General Randy George, a close ally of Driscoll’s, despite Driscoll’s objections.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some complaints derive from the film brushing aside many of the late King of Pop’s controversies, while others criticize the factual problems of Michael’s life and career, including missing family members.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The controversies clearly didn’t stop fans from attending, as Michael smashed the all-time record for an opening for a biopic, earning $97 million at the domestic box office and $217 million globally.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These tools are centered on navigating the complexities of Western healthcare systems, understanding the value of alternative therapies, and managing emotional, financial, and administrative burdens while holding on to hope.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Considered the gold standard of journalism excellence, the Poynter Institute is a nonprofit organization that works to address the complexities facing the news industry, support press freedoms and foster trust of information.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the mold the Dolphins are building off was consistent, followed through with few exceptions.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
With a few notable exceptions, Leo kept his political remarks to the leaders largely diplomatic, using a language of encouragement and subtle messaging rather than headline-grabbing condemnations.—
NICOLE WINFIELD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The apparent goal is to discredit accusers in public — then circulate the smears to their social circles — as well as demoralize adversaries amid legal disputes, forcing quiet settlements on preferred terms.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
-
These conditions have fueled widespread reports of labor exploitation, environmental damage and violent disputes over territory, while mercury contamination from gold extraction has posed serious risks to indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Kissimmee commissioner Janette Martinez proclaimed her innocence against two ethics complaints against her, claiming they are politically motived as elections loom.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
His clients have filed the first of many lawsuits to come from the small town, including complaints from six families of victims killed in the shooting, as well as one mother whose daughter continues to fight for her life in intensive care.—
Robert Pearlman,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Difficulties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulties. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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