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Definitions

burden

[bur-dn] / ˈbɜr dn /
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.

They were glad to be free of their financial burden, but it also left her with the sense that she had made a lot of mistakes with money.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

That’s too big a burden for the banners to carry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

"They are often dealing with a double burden -- excessive sleepiness during work hours and difficulty sleeping enough when they have the chance to rest."

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

The Scottish government has some tax and welfare powers that it can use to help ease the burden but the UK government has far greater financial clout.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Each of you told what your burden was just now, except Beth. I rather think she hasn’t got any,” said her mother.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.