variants
or gruelling
1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
running a marathon is grueling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
cutting diamonds can be grueling work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grueling
Following a week of cold weather, rain, thunderstorms and even a freeze, Saturday brought bright sunshine for more than 2,000 runners aiming to conquer what organizers say is the most grueling half-marathon around.
—
Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2026
Content creation is a grueling job, and according to a recent report, over 60% of influencers are experiencing burnout.
—Taylor Lorenz, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
After a grueling year of chemotherapy, the then 19-year-old had just rang the bell, symbolizing the end of her cancer treatment and the start of a new chapter.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
This level of cardio — paired with the fatigue of heavy minutes and grueling defensive assignments — affects a player’s in-season regimen for physical maintenance.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grueling
Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2026
Content creation is a grueling job, and according to a recent report, over 60% of influencers are experiencing burnout.
—Taylor Lorenz, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
After a grueling year of chemotherapy, the then 19-year-old had just rang the bell, symbolizing the end of her cancer treatment and the start of a new chapter.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
This level of cardio — paired with the fatigue of heavy minutes and grueling defensive assignments — affects a player’s in-season regimen for physical maintenance.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grueling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grueling
Adjective
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But with the Lightning taking back home-ice advantage with this win and the series shifting back to Tampa, where Cooper will have full control of the matchup, the task becomes that much more difficult for the Suzuki line.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Last year, Blackstone President and COO Jon Gray also told new analysts that working hard and being collaborative are essential skills for success in today’s challenging job market.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
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These Yiddish phrases have gotten me through many challenging situations.—
Gilda Dangot-Simpkin,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Lightly coated with oil and tossed occasionally in a searing hot skillet or wok, even tough beans turn silky, and ready to coat in a finishing blast of chiles.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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Comfortable travel can be achieved with stretchy, breathable pants, but securing a pair that hits those marks while looking stylish can be tough.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Reliable Service as an Operational Standard Clients in Dallas-Fort Worth should expect something more demanding than friendliness and something less theatrical than branding.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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The dual-motor setup targets higher output and improved traction for more demanding driving conditions.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Every personal finance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
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The process began with a rigorous study and a series of strategic partnerships.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Once Chevrolet gets a handle on its new car, that should help Trackhouse and RCR rebound, but in the meantime, the path forward for each is an arduous one.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Passing legislation in this manner, known as reconciliation, is an arduous process, requiring the cooperation of nearly every Republican in both chambers to proceed.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Without him, that identity is harder to maintain.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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The layout resembled a samurai sword, where the hardest material is concentrated mainly along the cutting edge.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Hathaway gets the most fun part to play in this formidable ensemble, starring as egotistical actress Daphne Kluger, who starts as the mark but ends up enlisting among the thieves.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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Hekt’s debut album heralds a union between the left-field pop scene of his native Copenhagen and the influential Glasgow label Numbers, whose formidable run of 2010s releases—including several landmark SOPHIE singles—has left a neon imprint on the new Danish vanguard.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grueling. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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