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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.

But climates shift, and while “invented heritage” can act as a powerful anchor, it can also be a millstone, an obstacle to necessary, large-scale changes.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

“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

Jayne is one of an estimated one in 20 people in the UK thought to have a hoarding disorder, and is trying a new technique to release the "millstone" around her neck.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2025

"It's a real millstone - everything you are doing is subject to scrutiny," said John Reed Stark, a former chief of the SEC's Office of Internet Enforcement.

From Reuters • Nov. 24, 2023

“I’m tired of this town. Do you know what it’s like? To have his name? To wear that millstone around your neck? The stares and whispers? The weight of this blood?”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner