hard 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

hard

2 of 2

adverb

1
2
3
4
5

Try This Instead

For
Try This
hard work
arduous work
tough work
hard feelings
bitter feelings
hurtful feelings
hateful feelings
hostile feelings
strained feelings
a hard surface
a solid surface
a firm surface
a stiff surface
a durable surface
a tough surface
a hard time
a tough time
a difficult time
a rough time
a grueling time
an arduous time
hard choices
tough choices
difficult choices
complicated choices
impossible choices
daunting choices

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hard different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and difficult are common synonyms of hard. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

In what contexts can arduous take the place of hard?

In some situations, the words arduous and hard are roughly equivalent. However, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When would difficult be a good substitute for hard?

The words difficult and hard can be used in similar contexts, but difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hard
Adjective
But unlike climate change, turning it around doesn’t have to be that hard, and the benefits will be felt immediately. WIRED, 13 Feb. 2023 That die-hard fan base in Phoenix got a taste of glory in 2021 when the Suns were up two games to none in the Finals on the Milwaukee Bucks before dropping the next four and ultimately losing the championship series. Max Olsan, The Arizona Republic, 13 Feb. 2023
Adverb
Breathe in slightly and press your tongue hard against your palate. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 19 June 2025 But do not make life harder for the people who depend on these batteries every day. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard
Adjective
  • Confronting Iran’s ruthless campaign of terror, nuclear ambitions, and regional aggression demands strength, resolve, and strategic clarity.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 June 2025
  • Michael Fassbender plays the deceased Apple guru — a flawed, ruthless, but ultimately compassionate soul.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.
    Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The vote took place against an increasingly violent backlash to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • In Mind For startups, achieving more with less can be tough.
    John Hall, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Healthy people can still experience short-term symptoms like fever, intense headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Stark images of burning vehicles, rioters spraying painting cars with expletives and the intense back and forth between President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over how local law enforcement is handling the problems have been among the topics of conversation.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • At JPMorgan, an internal culture study found that fewer employees feel like their health and well-being are a corporate priority, likely triggered by the bank’s strict five-day in-office policy.
    Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • In the old days, stars — especially female stars — were put on strict diets, their names often changed, and they were usually given voice lessons to learn that classic Transatlantic diction.
    Clement Obropta, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen $16 $14 Amazon $17 Ulta On the hunt for a solid drugstore SPF option?
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 16 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, a couple of the Panthers’ second-year defensive backs had solid showings.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 16 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!