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adverb

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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

Thesaurus Entries Near hard

Cite this Entry

“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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