Definition of hardnext
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hard

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adverb

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as in close
at, within, or to a short distance or time the groom stood hard by, ready to help, as the lady mounted the skittish horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Thank you for your patience, commitment and hard work throughout this process. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026 Harada says reaching audiences outside Japan has been the hardest part of her writing career, even as her novels have found readers in South Korea, China and Taiwan. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
Adverb
Although inflicting pain globally, the energy crisis is biting particularly hard in the rural expanses and communities of the European Union’s largest country by area. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 That makes communications, navigation, orbital rendezvous, and mission logistics substantially harder. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard
Adjective
  • Walk up to the pastry case and prepare to make some difficult decisions.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Fish can be hard to find and harder to catch this time of year, but American anglers have adapted to difficult fishing conditions.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Joe has always been ruthless, but never quite as tunnel-visioned in her motivations.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Therefore, if Question 3 passes in this fall’s elections, Annapolis Democrats will forever be able to engage in ruthless gerrymandering to ensure that Maryland never elects another Republican or independent to Congress.
    — Chris West, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Massimo The truck is built on a sturdy steel frame that’s attached to a coilover suspension system on all four sides.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike plastic containers, these sturdy steel swaps won’t stain, warp, or hold onto pesky odors.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • No reasonable person looking at her case would have called her a threat to anyone.
    — Don Bacon, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Defense lawyer Dameka Davis told the jury prosecutors failed at the first task of a murder trial — to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim was dead.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • North of the Thai capital Bangkok, rice farmers like 55-year-old Boonmark Marksuuk are already facing tough choices.
    — EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Zahnd, first elected in 2002, had a career defined by high-profile cases and solidified Platte County’s tough-on-crime reputation.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • High-intensity interval training and long-duration intense cardio spike cortisol significantly, and doing them too often without recovery can keep the hormone elevated, but rest and frequency matter more than avoidance.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
  • This extra oceanic warmth is also likely to extend hurricane further into fall, with more intense hurricanes more likely than not through at least early November.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But the choice was criticized by supporters of France’s strict form of secularism in public life based on a 1905 law separating church and state.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, these firms maintain strict climate commitments.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Not to say that Macbeth is pandering; but this big, sweeping production with all of the fixings is a solid kick-off to the calendar.
    — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Credit quality should also be a focal point for investors hunting for solid portfolio income and better diversification against stocks.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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