donkeyworks

noun

plural of donkeywork
as in efforts
very hard or unpleasant work the donkeywork involved in setting up one's own start-up software firm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for donkeyworks
  1. efforts
  2. sweats
  3. labors
  4. pains
  5. toils
  6. fatigues
  7. exertions
  8. grinds
Noun
  • The pair also exchanged views on recent diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing political and diplomatic solutions, the statement read, without going into further details.
    — August 20, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But her frustration piles up as her efforts to track the package down repeatedly fail.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of efforts
Noun
  • Check it out here to see relaxed, beach-ready sweats; tops with retro, souvenir-esque prints; and more.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Shields briefly stepped into frame to give Shippy a kiss, keeping it casual in slate gray sweats and oversized aviator sunglasses.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweats
Noun
  • Exclusion generates the prestige toward which unpaid labors strive.
    — M. C. Mah, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Do not restrict yourself from enjoying the rewards of your labors.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of labors
Noun
  • Nielsen has taken great pains to caution that there is no guarantee that ratings gains will accompany these changes, which are being implemented to further improve the accuracy of its data gathering.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If an infected person has trouble breathing, persistent chest pains or pressure, loses consciousness or sudden confusion, call 911.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of pains
Noun
  • The gods themselves are also an unnerving presence, omnipresent beings of colossal power who see humans as their playthings and view Ulysses' toils as some twisted spectator sport.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
  • There has to be a chance that Jos Buttler’s toils in Sri Lanka and India represent his last ventures on the international stage, and therefore the end of an era.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Definition of toils
Noun
  • Cordell, a polite man wearing fatigues and a pained expression, sat nearby.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Guard members, clearly distinguished by their military fatigues, have been seen throughout downtown Memphis on patrols and directing traffic during events.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of fatigues
Noun
  • With that, his exertions in perfecting his homegrown colony process—the green smoothie for caterpillars, testing procedures for parasites—came into clearer view for me.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • Thanks to the quality of the fish, word of mouth, foreign guidebooks, and now Moe’s exertions on Instagram, there are long lines at the door, especially on weekends.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Definition of exertions
Noun
  • Tableside dishes are a highlight, including a seasonal classic Greek salad and mouthwatering whole branzino baked in a coffee-grinds and sea-salt crust, then expertly deboned and served to perfection.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, dill and garlic powder; season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper.
    — Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026
Definition of grinds
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.

Browse Nearby Words

donkeywork
donkeyworks
donned
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Cite this Entry

“Donkeyworks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donkeyworks. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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