hard science
noun
: a science (such as chemistry, physics, or astronomy) that deals with things that can be observed and measured
Examples of hard science in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To some readers, these topics may sound boring, but in the right hands, hard science fiction can prove as gripping and immersive as the best stories in any genre.
—
Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026
Deeptech start-ups are built on hard science or engineering breakthroughs that solve big problems, not just on apps or consumer trends.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
This is because hard science is high-risk and doesn’t tend to have a short-term profit margin.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
Hone Your Soft Skills Quantum engineering isn’t just about hard science.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Oct. 2025
Welcome to the final frontier of sci-fi fandom: an extra hard science fiction quiz.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
This is hard science fiction that ponders monumental questions about loyalty, technology and who (or what) deserves to survive.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 6 Aug. 2025
Here’s what a top doctor does based on hard science
Falls can cause head injuries or broken bones that can lead to permanent disability and trigger a cascade of other health problems.
—CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Starring Ryan Gosling, the film is based on Andy Weir’s hard science fiction bestseller.
—Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
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Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026
Deeptech start-ups are built on hard science or engineering breakthroughs that solve big problems, not just on apps or consumer trends.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
This is because hard science is high-risk and doesn’t tend to have a short-term profit margin.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
Hone Your Soft Skills Quantum engineering isn’t just about hard science.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Oct. 2025
Welcome to the final frontier of sci-fi fandom: an extra hard science fiction quiz.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
This is hard science fiction that ponders monumental questions about loyalty, technology and who (or what) deserves to survive.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 6 Aug. 2025
Here’s what a top doctor does based on hard science
Falls can cause head injuries or broken bones that can lead to permanent disability and trigger a cascade of other health problems.
—CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Starring Ryan Gosling, the film is based on Andy Weir’s hard science fiction bestseller.
—Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Hard science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20science. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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