Synonyms for onerous
- adjective
Most common
Definitions
- adj. 1
Imposing or constituting a physical, mental, or figurative load which can be borne only with effort; burdensome.
Choose the right word
Responsibility may be onerous even when it involves no special exertion.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- difficult Explain to him the difficult situation you are in.
- taxing Some claim that taxing the rich inhibits job creation.
- arduous She went through a long and arduous vocational course.
- burdensome I appreciated her kindness, while I feel it burdensome.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| onerous | steady | |
| difficult | steady | |
| taxing | falling | |
| arduous | steady | |
| burdensome | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- hard1
- 5 letters
- heavy2
- 6 letters
- taxing2
- 7 letters
- wearing2, arduous3, weighty2, operose, nimious
- 8 letters
- exacting3, grueling3, toilsome
- 9 letters
- difficult3, demanding3, punishing3, laborious4, herculean4, wearisome3
- 10 letters
- oppressive3, burdensome3
- 11 letters
- troublesome3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (heavy2 = 2 syllables).