OpenSynonym

labors

/ˈleɪbərz/

NOUN

1. Physical or mental effort and hard work

Activities involving sustained physical or mental effort, especially work that requires considerable exertion, persistence, or dedication.

1.1. Hard work and sustained effort

Used to describe physical or mental exertion involved in accomplishing tasks, pursuing goals, or completing demanding work.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • idlenesses
  • inactions
  • leisures
  • recreations
  • relaxations
  • rests

Examples

  • The farmer's daily labors yield a bountiful harvest at the end of the season.
  • Despite the challenging conditions, the construction crew continues their labors with determination.
  • The artist's studio is filled with the results of years of creative labors.
  • The team's collaborative labors resulted in the successful completion of the project.

Related Words

1.2. Difficult tasks and demanding undertakings

Used to describe particular tasks, responsibilities, or undertakings that require substantial effort and are often difficult or exhausting to accomplish.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • amusements
  • diversions
  • entertainments
  • recreations
  • pleasures

Examples

  • The workers completed their daily labors before sunset.
  • The labors involved in restoring the historic building required years of dedication.

Related Words

NOUN

2. The process and experience of childbirth

The physical process of giving birth, involving uterine contractions and the delivery of a baby, as well as the period during which childbirth takes place.

2.1. Childbirth and delivery

Used to describe the physical process of giving birth, including labor contractions, delivery, and the associated experiences of childbirth.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The mother's labors continued for several hours before the baby was delivered.
  • Medical professionals carefully monitored the progress of the mother's labors.

Related Words

NOUN

3. People engaged in work and organized labor

Workers collectively considered as an economic or social group, particularly those who earn wages through employment or belong to the organized labor movement.

3.1. Workforce and organized workers

Used to refer to workers collectively, including the working class and organized groups representing employees' interests.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The political movement sought to protect the rights and interests of labors.
  • Organized labors played an important role in advocating for better working conditions.

Related Words

NOUN

4. Strenuous movement of a vessel at sea

The heavy pitching or rolling movement of a ship in turbulent water, causing strain on its structure, timbers, and rigging.

4.1. Ships pitching and rolling in rough seas

Used in nautical contexts to describe the forceful and difficult movement of a vessel as it struggles against heavy waves and turbulent conditions.

Synonyms

  • pitchings
  • rollings
  • tossings
  • heavings

Examples

  • The ship's labors in the turbulent sea placed considerable strain on its timbers and rigging.

Related Words

VERB

5. Performing work or exerting effort

To engage in physical or mental work, especially when accomplishing something requires sustained effort, persistence, or considerable exertion.

5.1. Working hard and exerting effort

Used to describe people working diligently or struggling through demanding tasks that require physical or mental effort.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The dedicated nurse labors tirelessly to provide care for her patients.
  • The workers labored throughout the day to finish the construction project.

Related Words

5.2. Emphasizing or elaborating on a point

Used when someone repeatedly emphasizes, explains, or expands upon a particular point, argument, or subject, sometimes more than necessary.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The speaker continued to labor the same point during the debate instead of introducing new arguments.

Related Words

5.3. Struggling under difficulties or burdens

Used when someone or something struggles to function, progress, or perform because of difficulties, illness, oppressive conditions, or heavy burdens.

Synonyms

  • struggle
  • toil
  • strain
  • plod
  • trudge
  • flounder
  • grapple

Antonyms

Examples

  • The small business labors under the burden of increasing operating costs.
  • The patient labored to breathe after the strenuous exercise.

Related Words

5.4. Experiencing the process of childbirth

Used to describe a woman experiencing the contractions and physical exertion associated with giving birth.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The expectant mother labors in the hospital before delivering her baby.

Related Words

5.5. Moving heavily in turbulent water

Used to describe a ship pitching or rolling heavily as it moves through rough seas, often under the pressure of strong waves and adverse weather.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The ship labors heavily as it battles the enormous waves during the storm.

Related Words