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Showing results for millstone.
Definitions

millstone

[mil-stohn] / ˈmɪlˌstoʊn /
NOUN
heavy mental or emotional burden
Synonyms
STRONGEST
burden
STRONG
accountability affliction albatross anxiety blame charge concern cross difficulty encumbrance grievance hardship hindrance load misfortune onus punishment responsibility strain stress task trial trouble worry
WEAK
deadweight mental weight thorn in one's side
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage aid assistance benefit blessing calmness contentment ease encouragement exculpation exoneration happiness health help peace praise tranquility

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.

If he did so, his quotes against divorce would be an online millstone around his neck.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

“As the only sector to record a negative return in Q3, staples was the proverbial millstone around quality’s neck.”

From Barron's • Oct. 27, 2025

Sir Chris also said the claims by government that they were "following the science" became a "millstone around our necks".

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2023

Yet property remains a millstone for growth and confidence and while the economy may have touched bottom, there are no signs of the sort of rapid rebound that would compel investment.

From Reuters • Oct. 18, 2023

Chariot wheels, water wheels, potter’s wheels, millstone wheels— one can’t imagine Europe or China without them.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann