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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

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
There’s no mystery to what Congress can and should do to keep the programs fully solvent without making life harder for older workers and retirees. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025 Orlando City fought hard after falling two goals behind but ultimately was unable to overcome FC Cincinnati, losing 2-1 at home on Saturday night in a match between two of the MLS East’s leading teams. . Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard
Adjective
  • Our models and expertise can sniff out the broad parameters, but the precise location and timing of moisture plumes, training (quasi-stationary rain cells), and forcing mechanism can be difficult.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • The fire is in difficult country with access issues and firefighters are evaluating options for the right flank and head of the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • As a member of a crew that robs banks, Mr. Blonde is the most ruthless.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • As they’re hunted by a ruthless drug gang led by the menacing Power (Aidan Gillen), their fight for survival becomes a journey of redemption.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Gritti’s dock-manager to Grazer’s left, foreground right in the shot, may be suspicious that his sturdy right elbow, offered for support during that parlous little leap from land to sea, is being roundly ignored.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Some Outdoor Furniture Although sturdy plastic, metal, or resin outdoor furniture is fine to pressure wash, pieces crafted from natural materials, such as wicker and teak, are much too delicate.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Seeing penalty abatement for reasonable cause can also be time-consuming and expensive so preventing the misclassification is a better course of action.
    Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Early Friday morning, intense rain caused flash flooding across Texas Hill Country.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • There were several safety cars during the race, along with changing conditions with periods of intense rain followed by a drying track.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The train itself is powered by energy-efficient DX-class diesel-electric locomotives, and the carrier maintains strict environmental protocols, including waste minimization and recycling practices on board.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Officials accomplished this by re-evaluating risk, putting strict limits on how long a person can be held in isolation and expanding behavioral health programs.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Jakobi Meyers is a solid receiver, but Vegas still needs to upgrade its receiver room.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • The usually heady, efficient team struggled to make shots, take care of the ball and string together solid defensive possessions.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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