1
as in severely
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering
the new judge vowed to deal hardly with repeat offenders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in no
certainly not
I would hardly think someone with her attitude could make a good manager
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in barely
by a very small margin
we were hardly able to make it back to camp before darkness set in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sadly
with feelings of bitterness or grief
his broker did not think that he would take his financial losses so hardly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in hard
with great effort or determination
the state championship was a hardly fought contest between two evenly matched teams
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardly
Unlike in Jalisco or Michoacán, spectacular gun battles are hardly ever seen in Colima.
—
Daniel Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
The setting could hardly be more idyllic.
—
Ian Phillips,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
The show is being released July 1, and Minetree can hardly contain her excitement.
—
Leigh Nordstrom,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
The current entry system for amateurs, which includes not only high schoolers but also international players who sign at 16, is hardly a model of economic efficiency.
—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Daniel Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
The setting could hardly be more idyllic.
—
Ian Phillips,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
The show is being released July 1, and Minetree can hardly contain her excitement.
—
Leigh Nordstrom,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
The current entry system for amateurs, which includes not only high schoolers but also international players who sign at 16, is hardly a model of economic efficiency.
—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardly
Adverb
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The earthquakes severely damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, the principal gateway serving Caracas, complicating the arrival of international aid.
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Unless the cover is severely damaged, it can often be resecured or even straightened.
Adverb
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Minimum deals can be no longer than two seasons in length.
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What has changed in recent years, however, is that prediction markets are no longer an obscure pastime enjoyed by political junkies.
Adverb
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The low kick barely above the grass surface split two Jordan defenders and went into the left corner of the net.
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The Dodgers have built such a big lead in the division that the loss barely made a dent.
Adverb
-
Little Debbie Apple Flips Though there are still plenty of Little Debbie classics filling the shelves at Southern grocery stores, and even new arrivals from time to time, there are also sadly some treats that have been discontinued.
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Its co-op is online-only (no couch play, sadly), and the AI companion is your trusty sidekick.
Adverb
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Panama's also struggling to keep Bukayo Saka on the lefthand side as the Arsenal winger pushes hard into the attacking third.
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The softness of the silhouette takes the edge off the athletic base, making the whole look feel a little more polished without trying too hard.
Adverb
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The difficulty lies in the fact that setting boundaries does not mean exercising authority harshly.
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But its conditions have been harshly criticized by l awyers, families and human rights groups, who have persistently denounced the mistreatment of detainees since the center opened 11 months ago, during the Atlantic hurricane season.
Adverb
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Sugar reconnects with Blaine, the security guard who’d never seen Casablanca, a golden-age Hollywood classic his mom named him after.
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Hezbollah was not part of the talks, which resulted in several ceasefire agreements that were never implemented on the ground.
Adverb
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Meanwhile, the share of vote-by-mail ballots dropped slightly.
-
And all gave slightly different advice.
Cite this Entry
“Hardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardly. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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