BACKBREAKING Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

backbreaking

adjective

ˈbak-ˌbrā-kiŋ

Definition of backbreaking

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort modern machinery has significantly eased the backbreaking work of farming

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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 backbreaking The trials pay better than dishwashing, require no skills and are far less backbreaking than loading and unloading boxes. — Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2021 The Kings were leading 80-60 at the time and led by as many as 26 in the game, dealing the Blazers’ playoff chase a backbreaking blow. — oregonlive, 8 Mar. 2020 Drawing on unprecedented research, Chang shows how these men performed some of the most dangerous, most backbreaking work to build out the railroad from California, yet received virtually no credit for their contributions. — Chris Fuchs, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2019 Spraying fields with pesticides and fertilizers, the drones -- which can cover up to 60 acres a day -- could boost crop yields, save time and make backbreaking field work much easier, according to Bug Away. — Sarah Lazarus and Dan Tham, CNN, 3 July 2019 See All Example Sentences for backbreaking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbreaking

Adjective

For a long time, we’ve all been told that remastering the older Super Robot Wars games was extremely difficult, due to all the licensing and other costs involved.

— Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
After three difficult years, armed groups loyal to Tehran appear to be bouncing back across the Middle East, reinforcing Iran’s leverage in its war with the US and Israel.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Even during a challenging season, Stanek continued to showcase one of baseball's hardest fastballs with a plus slider, splitter and sweeper.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
There’s also 20-year-old Connor Zilisch, who’s had a challenging rookie season but is still one of the most prized young drivers to ever join the Cup Series.

— Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of challenging

Adjective

That left the debtor having to prove the negative that the debtor really didn't have any way to re-establish control over trust assets, and such was (and still is) a very tough sell.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Lombard also helped turn a double play in the second inning and handled another tough one-hopper hit by Cesar Prieto in the seventh.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Academy leaders have repeatedly told Congress that rigorous scholarship, civilian faculty expertise and exposure to complex questions help prepare officers for the uncertainty of modern warfare.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
The progress marks the transition from years of design, research, and technology demonstrations to the construction of physical aircraft that will undergo rigorous testing before entering operational service.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Definition of rigorous

Adjective

That is a demanding position to hold, and most organizations have built conditions that make holding it harder every year.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
At the 2024 Monterey Historic races, he was seen driving the 250 P aggressively around the demanding Laguna Seca track.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026

Definition of demanding

Adjective

Loyalty programs can become harder to understand when members are confronted with dozens of offers that have little connection to the brand’s identity.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Miami’s roster Saturday was depleted as German Berterame is out on concussion protocol after a hard hit against Montreal that resulted in him exiting the field in an ambulance.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of hard

Adjective

Anyone in the bout would make a formidable champion, but given Flair’s lengthy history with Ripley, that is the most high-profile unification bout WWE could possibly do down the road.

— Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The episode reveals the formidable powers available to a president to target his enemies.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Definition of formidable

Browse Nearby Words

backbones

backbreaking

back-channel

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“Backbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbreaking. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of backbreaking

adjective

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