Synonyms of hard
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as in difficult
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as in ruthless
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as in sturdy
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as in reasonable
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as in tough
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as in intense
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as in strict
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as in solid
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as in stable
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as in sore
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as in stubborn
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as in historical
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as in intensively
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as in bitterly
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as in strongly
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as in close
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as in harshly
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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 stubborn
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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hard
Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
Despite all of the history held within Woodstone, getting that designation turns out to be harder than expected.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Vanessa L. Powell, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
When Rotta the Hutt is kidnapped and held on a new planet, Shakari, Göransson goes hard on the electronic synths.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard
Adjective
Oily residue, hard-water deposits, and other impurities build up over time, slowing down the inner workings of your machine and influencing the taste of your coffee.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
Despite all of the history held within Woodstone, getting that designation turns out to be harder than expected.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Adverb
Faleave Palazzo Pants With Pockets These pants deliver peak vacation energy without trying too hard.
—Vanessa L. Powell, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
When Rotta the Hutt is kidnapped and held on a new planet, Shakari, Göransson goes hard on the electronic synths.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard
Adjective
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Building the program had proved difficult.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
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Sindcom 14-Piece Food Storage Containers Set The pantry is one of the most difficult places to organize thanks to boxes of cereal, pasta, baking ingredients, and more scattered about.—
Kelsey Fredricks,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
Adjective
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When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back on what would be for anyone else a suicide mission.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
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Assayas offers anecdotes, a feuilleton of tyranny in which the foibles of the mighty and the ruthless reveal the sentimental side of cruelty, the amusement value of ugly deeds, and the polite side of monstrous ideas.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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It’s made with a breathable upper, a double-lace lock that creates a snug fit to prevent your foot from slipping out of the shoe, and a sturdy and durable rubber outsole that can handle frequent use.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
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So when House lawmakers downstate passed a bill to designate the sturdy yet soggy Italian beef the official state sandwich of Illinois, Zucchero’s brain had to be picked.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Allow reasonable discipline in school.—
Matthew Stolle,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
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If reasonable, open windows and turn off air conditioning at night to let cooler air in, then shut the windows and shades in the morning to trap the cool air inside, Trane recommends.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
23 May 2026
Adjective
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Each of those teams will be competing for playoff spots again, leaving the Raiders with no easy divisional wins and a tough out-of-division schedule.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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The group did just enough against Sale and a tough Braves bullpen to avoid getting shut out for the third time in five games.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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There is a brightness and its opposite, not darkness but another brightness, just as intense.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
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Paxton voters are more intense in their contempt for Cornyn than vice versa.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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If strict fidelity gets in the way, it can be treated as immaterial.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
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Employees who once rejected office culture are now returning to in-person roles, accepting stricter employer demands, delaying entrepreneurial goals, or remaining in emotionally exhausting workplaces because financial risks feel too high.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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With flat soles, light textures, and a smooth fit, preppy loafers are a solid option for long days on your feet, from theme park trips to office days.—
Aaron Royce,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
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He was banged up by playoff time but posted 23 goals last season and was a solid bottom-six forward.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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