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hard 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhärd How to pronounce hard (audio)
Definition of hardnext
1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort clearing land is hard work a hard exam to pass

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2
as in ruthless
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings a hard man, who never had a kind word for anyone

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3
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure they were forced to import sheep of a harder stock, one that could thrive in the harsh climate

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4
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information do you have any hard evidence that this was once the site of a Native American village?

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5
as in tough
difficult to endure the hard life of a migrant farm worker

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6
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect a carpet that withstood years of hard wear

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7
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a hard disciplinarian who is quick to punish the tiniest violation of the rules

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8
as in solid
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure hard candies fell on the hard floor and bruised her arm

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9
as in stable
having been established and usually not subject to change there isn't always a hard line between right and wrong

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10
as in sore
having or showing deep-seated resentment maintained hard feelings toward those who had cheated him

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11
as in adamant
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion a woman with a hard will who never budged from her chosen path

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12
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact that newscast is strictly devoted to hard news, as the producers prefer to leave the gossip to others

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hard

2 of 2

adverb

1
as in intensively
with great effort or determination we took a much-needed break after working hard all week a hard-won victory

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2
as in bitterly
with feelings of bitterness or grief took the news of their grandfather's death hard

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3
as in strongly
in a vigorous and forceful manner hit the ball hard, causing it to soar out of bounds the wind blew hard all day

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4
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

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5
as in harshly
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering the dog had been treated hard by his previous owner

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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
  1. difficult
  2. ruthless
  3. sturdy
  4. reasonable
  5. tough
  6. intense
  7. strict
  8. solid
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
Definition of difficult
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
Definition of ruthless
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
Definition of sturdy
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
Definition of reasonable
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
Definition of tough
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
Definition of intense
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
Definition of strict
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
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing hard

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harbors
hard
hard-and-fast
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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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