1
as in hardship
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
the test questions were rated for hardness, a rating of five indicating the most difficult
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)
the aunt's hardness gradually crumbled under the influence of the little orphan's endearing ways
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardness
Martin has a true hardness in his game, attacking the high-percentage areas and is an extremely physical player.
—
Corey Pronman, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The column wheel is thermally blued, a process that not only enhances corrosion resistance but also increases surface hardness, and importantly - looks pleasing to the eye.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The dye formula may be same, but there are differences in water hardness and minerals.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 July 2025
What are the limits for softness or hardness or smoothness or other characteristics of the material?
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for hardness
Corey Pronman, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The column wheel is thermally blued, a process that not only enhances corrosion resistance but also increases surface hardness, and importantly - looks pleasing to the eye.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The dye formula may be same, but there are differences in water hardness and minerals.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 July 2025
What are the limits for softness or hardness or smoothness or other characteristics of the material?
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for hardness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardness
Noun
-
Another hardship would soon come his way as Baldwin began to write openly about same-sex love.—
Megan Marshall
September 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The change eliminated the former requirement that borrowers prove a partial financial hardship to qualify for IBR.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Vrabel downplayed the severity of the injury.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Its severity varies depending on the strain and species that is infected.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Michael Thill and Elise Vinson, two nurses who were on the picket line Sunday, expressed their difficulty squaring their desire to help during the attack with their inability to work in the hospital amid the strike.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
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The Bears’ first-half difficulties slowing Raiders star Maxx Crosby were significant.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardness. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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