burdensome

adjective

bur·den·some ˈbər-dᵊn-səm

Synonyms of burdensome

: imposing or constituting a burden : oppressive

burdensome restrictions

Choose the Right Synonym for burdensome

onerous, burdensome, oppressive, exacting mean imposing hardship.

onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

Examples of burdensome in a Sentence

The responsibility has become burdensome. the burdensome living conditions that the early settlers had to endure

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

However, this can become burdensome, prompting a shift to non-grantor status. — Michael Gold Cfp, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The weight of expectations can prove burdensome for the early favorites. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The inheritance of our names can feel empowering but also burdensome. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026 Immediately after the legislation was signed, states began bracing for the substantial pullback of federal support, rural hospital closures, and implementation of burdensome paperwork requirements intended to drive down enrollment. — Diana Degette, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for burdensome

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of burdensome was in 1578

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

burdenous

burdensome

burdensomely

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Burdensome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burdensome. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

burdensome

adjective

bur·den·some ˈbərd-ᵊn-səm

: so heavy or hard to take as to be a burden

burdensomeness noun

burdensome

adjective

Synonyms of burdensome

Examples of burdensome in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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