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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hard work
hard choices
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hard
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
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
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
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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
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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
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As a member of a crew that robs banks, Mr. Blonde is the most ruthless.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Early Friday morning, intense rain caused flash flooding across Texas Hill Country.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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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
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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
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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
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Jakobi Meyers is a solid receiver, but Vegas still needs to upgrade its receiver room.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
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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
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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