1
as in diligent
involved in often constant activity
the volunteers have been commendably laborious in their cleanup of the beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
the laborious task of cleaning up the oil spill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
that report is the product of months of laborious research
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of laborious
As if that laborious set-up wasn’t enough, we’re also introduced to Russian mercenary Aleksei Sytsevich — played by Alessandro Nivola, who gets some gonzo kicks out of the role, but deserves better.
—
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024
Securing partnerships with such massive players is at best laborious.
—Jamil Wyne, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Among the reasons why Hollywood execs have pointed to VFX as an area AI can be adopted revolves around the laborious nature of the work.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Dec. 2024
Like virtually every form of public work in New York, street redesigns are laborious and expensive.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for laborious 
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024
Securing partnerships with such massive players is at best laborious.
—Jamil Wyne, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Among the reasons why Hollywood execs have pointed to VFX as an area AI can be adopted revolves around the laborious nature of the work.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Dec. 2024
Like virtually every form of public work in New York, street redesigns are laborious and expensive.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for laborious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laborious
Adjective
-
Herbert is way too talented, too good an athlete, too intelligent, too diligent and too well-respected by his colleagues not to succeed.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Orange County Register,
15 Jan. 2025
-
Be diligent about knowing the state of your employees.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Simplifying Complexity Through Narratives Leaders often need to communicate complex strategies or concepts, which can be difficult for teams to fully grasp.—
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Still, the most difficult aspect of the crisis is not the need to prepare for an unspecified economic threat from a close ally, but the need to cope with a sudden sense of almost Kafkaesque absurdity.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
While the victory was routine, their goalkeeping situation and transfer dealings are more challenging.—
Emile Nuh,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
-
At the same time, a historic shortage of veterinarians means the work of caring for our pets is more challenging than ever.—
Claire Thornton,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
While Musk was busy rubbing elbows with other billionaires at the event — namely, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sanchez — all eyes were on Musk and Zilis' interaction, as the two keep their exact relationship status private.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Zoom in: In December, Indianapolis International Airport announced that more than 10 million people traveled through the airport in 2024, a new record. More than 2.8 million people flew through the Indy airport in June, July and August, marking the busiest summer in the airport's history.—
Justin L. Mack,
Axios,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Like many large employers, the agency proactively seeks qualified candidates from as many sources as possible, all of whom must meet rigorous qualifications that of course will vary by position.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
-
These suppliers undergo rigorous vetting processes and must meet safety standards to prevent potential hazards.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Today’s shoppers are more demanding, more savvy and more cost-conscious than ever before.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Friends and sources told PEOPLE at the time that although Silva was excited for Costner’s Hollywood ascendance, their relationship became more difficult due to his increasingly demanding schedule.—
Brendan Le,
People.com,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The French biochemicals company’s fortunes began to shift in recent years, especially after securing $15.8 million in funding in 2023 and attracting the attention of Citizens of Humanity—one of Orta’s more engaged and proactive clients.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Jan. 2025
-
The brain of a neurodivergent person is wired for passions and novelty, which trigger the motivation to start and stay engaged with that interesting task, Nordmeyer said.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Bridges finished with 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field against his old team, and Anunoby scored 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field to go with tough defense on Johnson, who shot an abysmal 6-of-20 from the field for 16 points.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Whether you’re drawn to stories of resilience, advocacy, or how laughter and love can help us through life’s toughest moments, this film will leave you inspired and hopeful.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near laborious
Cite this Entry
“Laborious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laborious. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share