backbreaking

adjective

ˈbak-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce backbreaking (audio)
Definition of backbreakingnext
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort modern machinery has significantly eased the backbreaking work of farming

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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
  1. difficult
  2. challenging
  3. tough
  4. rigorous
  5. demanding
  6. hard
  7. formidable
  8. heavy
Adjective
  • The losses linked to the demise of these groups are difficult to quantify, but participants and advocates say the impacts will reverberate across federal agencies for years.
    — Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Ground surveys can provide more detailed information at a particular site, but covering an entire subway corridor that way would be difficult.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • For the healthcare providers in attendance, the party — which featured games and activities for the kids — is a chance to see the real-life impact of their often emotionally challenging work.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Because of the challenging terrain, the bridges are designed to be constructed without heavy machinery.
    — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • The war, and in particular Iran’s direct targeting of the Gulf, makes this approach a tough pill to swallow.
    — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The conversation shifted from tougher ordinances toward resource allocation and investing in third spaces, which are places outside of work, school or home.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Every personal finance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of home loan products.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But alongside serious thinkers such as Rankine, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Saidiya Hartman, less rigorous writers and ideas were also elevated.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • Leaders may not need to tax themselves heavily to gain some cognitive benefit during an already demanding period.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • That makes both the X-ray measurement itself and the interpretation of its data increasingly demanding.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of demanding
Adjective
  • Michael Mankins and Matthew Crupi want value maximization back as the objective, with stakeholder commitments as hard or soft constraints.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Hrgović landed one, two, three hard right hands late in the round.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of hard
Adjective
  • Greenspan was renowned for his formidable data-crunching capabilities, sharp reading of market psychology, and subtle, often elusive communication style.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their armory is formidable; their cash supply, a source of comic relief.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • In addition to dealing with heavy periods, chronic pain, bloating, digestive issues and low mood, women with endometriosis can also face acne, hyperpigmentation and hair loss.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The impact of yesterday’s sharp drop in South Korean equities transmitted further into US markets overnight, spreading selling sentiment and dealing heavy blows to US semiconductor and memory stocks.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of heavy

Browse Nearby Words

backbones
backbreaking
back-channel
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Cite this Entry

“Backbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbreaking. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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