When you need to describe a task or situation that is particularly hard or tiring, there are multiple synonyms you can use instead of "grueling". For example, challenging, demanding, exhausting, laborious, taxing, or arduous are all great synonyms for "grueling". Other options include draining, draining, difficult, back-breaking, strenuous, intense, or wearisome. Each one of these words has its own shade of meaning, but all of them point to the idea of something that requires a lot of effort and can be mentally or physically draining. By switching up your vocabulary when you write or speak, you can add more nuance and depth to your communication.