burdens

NOUN

mental weight; stress

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anxiety concern difficulty duty hardship load onus responsibility strain task tax trouble worry

STRONG

accountability affliction albatross blame care charge clog encumbrance grievance hindrance millstone misfortune mishap obstruction punishment sorrow trial work

WEAK

Herculean task ball and chain deadweight excess baggage thorn in one's side weary load

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit blessing calmness contentment ease happiness help irresponsibility peace tranquility

STRONG

encouragement exculpation exoneration praise promotion relief

VERB

encumber, strain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afflict bother depress encumber hamper hinder lade oppress overload overwhelm weigh down

STRONG

crush cumber impede load obligate overcharge pile press snow strain tax trouble try vex worry

WEAK

bear down on dish it out dish out dump on give it to make heavy saddle with snow under stick it to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist cheer comfort delight encourage further help make happy permit please promote

STRONG

release soothe unburden

WEAK

relieve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While these criticisms are valid, many of these issues — particularly heavy debt burdens — also apply to China, Japan and many European nations.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 28, 2026

The cost burdens for consumers are causing some people to get choosier about how they spend their money, often splurging on a show or two rather than going to many events throughout the year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

Merz added that the proposals aim to meet "two goals: pensions remain secure, and the burdens are distributed fairly across all segments of society and across all generations".

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

Sometimes, I feel most gay when I’m strolling outside feeling the breeze against my skin, like I’m experiencing the joy in a way that only I can, balanced with my own unique burdens and comforts.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2026

“You carry a great many burdens with you. A heavy heart. Things you’ve lost. But you are moving toward change and discovery. There are outside influences that are propelling you forward.”

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern