Find Synonyms

onerous Synonyms

Another word for onerous

Choosing another word for onerous depends on context, so the 13 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome (of a task, duty, or responsibility).

Usage Example

"The committee found the new reporting requirements too burdensome for small businesses to manage."

Strongest
burdensome
taxing
arduous
Strong
demanding
oppressive
exacting
laborious
strenuous
grueling
heavy

• adjective (Context 2)

Involving obligations or responsibilities that outweigh the advantages (in law, of a contract, lease, or property).

Usage Example

"The liquidator disclaimed the burdensome lease because the maintenance obligations far exceeded the value of the premises."

Strongest
burdensome
Strong
encumbering
disadvantageous
unprofitable

Opposites of onerous

The opposite of onerous shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

effortless
unburdensome
easy
gratuitous
undemanding
light
advantageous
painless
See all opposites of onerous

• Nearby Words

oncoming
one
oneness
onerous
onesie
onetime
ongoing

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Onerous. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/onerous
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