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Synonym of the day

taxing

taxing is a synonym of grueling

adjective [ tak-sing ]

taxing is another word for grueling

So, how hard is it, really, to file those tax returns? The adjectives grueling and taxing both describe activities or experiences that are tiring and difficult. We tend to reserve the adjective grueling for activities or experiences that are extremely difficult to complete or endure (the grueling Boston Marathon; a grueling schedule), to the point of being severe or punishing. Something that is taxing wears on a person gradually, by the demands it makes on the body, mind, or emotions (the most emotionally taxing role of the actor’s career). The word taxing is more amenable to qualification—something could be a bit taxing or extremely taxing, whereas grueling is pretty much an all-or-nothing adjective.

Commonly found as

physically taxing
Those who do work that is physically taxing should not be penalized for taking early retirement.
less taxing
I find reading print less taxing on the eyes than reading on a screen.

See all synonyms for grueling

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concur

concur is a synonym of agree

verb [ kuhn-kur ]

concur is another word for agree

The verbs agree and concur both mean to have the same opinion as another. However, agree often presupposes an interpersonal process by which this harmony is reached. The context might involve discussion and negotiation (they agreed on a theme for the party), or consent or compliance (agree to a pay cut) between the parties. To concur, on the other hand, is to show accord in matters of opinion, as of minds that have independently run along the same channels (to concur in a judgment about a painting). It would be unusual to say, “I concur with you,” not only because concur is a more formal word choice than agree, but also because concurring is more impersonal: one doesn’t usually concur with a person but with the substance of an opinion or judgment.

Commonly found as

concur in
The city council concurred in the judgment of the examining committee, and will pass a law putting fewer restrictions on the construction of the office complex.
concur with the findings
Our results concur with the findings of earlier studies.

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miserable

miserable is a synonym of unhappy

adjective [ miz-er-uh-buhl, miz-ruh- ]

miserable is another word for unhappy

As a simple negative of happy, the adjective unhappy has a fairly broad range of application. A person described as unhappy may be sad or miserable, or they may simply be displeased or discontented with one particular thing, as when one is unhappy with the outcome of something. The word miserable, on the other hand, leaves less room for interpretation. A miserable person is intensely unhappy, to a pitiable degree. Where miserable comes in especially useful is in describing a wretched state or condition, such as a miserable cold, a miserable pregnancy, miserable weather, miserable living conditions, or, worst of all, a miserable existence. Miserable is a more feeling word than unhappy, and carries a strong element of the pathetic. As with all things pathetic or wretched, it can evoke either pity or contempt. For example, there’s no empathy in calling someone “a miserable so and so”: for miserable here you could just as well substitute lowdown or despicable.

Commonly found as

make one’s life miserable
He had to decline the invitation because his allergies were making his life miserable.
miserable existence
The TV show invited audiences to laugh at the miserable existence of its downtrodden characters.

See all synonyms for unhappy

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