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Definitions

burden

[bur-dn] / ˈbɜr dn /
NOUN
mental weight; stress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anxiety concern difficulty duty hardship load onus responsibility strain task tax trouble worry
STRONG
accountability affliction albatross blame care charge clog encumbrance grievance hindrance millstone misfortune mishap obstruction punishment sorrow trial work
WEAK
Herculean task ball and chain deadweight excess baggage thorn in one's side weary load
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advantage aid assistance benefit blessing calmness contentment ease happiness help irresponsibility peace tranquility
STRONG
encouragement exculpation exoneration praise promotion relief
VERB
encumber, strain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afflict bother depress encumber hamper hinder lade oppress overload overwhelm weigh down
STRONG
crush cumber impede load obligate overcharge pile press snow strain tax trouble try vex worry
WEAK
bear down on dish it out dish out dump on give it to make heavy saddle with snow under stick it to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist cheer comfort delight encourage further help make happy permit please promote
STRONG
release soothe unburden
WEAK
relieve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Maybe she’s concerned that he could become financially unstable and a burden to her if he gives away too much.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Koman does not deny that the Netherlands needs more clean power, but questions why the burden should fall here.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Getting Marcus Smart back from injury Friday helped ease the ball-handling burden on Kennard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

More drastic ideas to lower the federal government’s interest burden include a so-called Mar-a-Lago Accord, floated back in late 2024 by Stephen Miran, then in the private sector, and now a Fed governor.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

I feel like more of a burden and I don’t trust my parents as much as I used to.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Vocabulary lists containing burden

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!