Definitions

onerous

[on-er-uhs, oh-ner-] / ˈɒn ər əs, ˈoʊ nər- /

ADJECTIVE

difficult; requiring hard labor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arduous backbreaking burdensome cumbersome demanding difficult distressing excessive exhausting grueling harsh intolerable laborious oppressive painful rigorous severe strenuous taxing troublesome weighty

WEAK

austere crushing embittering exacting exigent fatiguing formidable galling grave grinding hard headache heavy irksome merciless overpowering overtaxing plodding ponderous pressing responsible serious tiresome tiring toilsome vexatious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm easy effortless facile friendly gentle helpful mild nice simple trivial

WEAK

light

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.

Onerous regulations also make it needlessly difficult for us to treat the many patients for whom methadone is the best medication.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023

Onerous local laws that require every gym and office, every sneaker store and Korean barbecue and donut shop, and most importantly every home to come with a certain number of parking spots.

From Slate • Sep. 16, 2022

Onerous rules and poor communication mired borrowers in confusion, shutting out many who qualify — if they knew about the program at all.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2022

Onerous and confusing reporting requirements can cause employed beneficiaries to lose their insurance anyway, as Arkansas learned last year.

From Washington Post • Dec. 12, 2019

"Tell that to our king, and he'll decorate you with the medal of the Omnipotent Order of Onerous Orthographers, Are you ready to meander?"

From The Woggle-Bug Book by Morgan, Ike

Vocabulary lists containing onerous

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