HARD-HANDED Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

hardhanded

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈhan-dəd

Definition of hardhanded

as in tough

difficult to endure the hardhanded rule of a tyrannical regime

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardhanded

Adjective

The city's local Democratic lawmakers claim that the tough-on-crime policies only temporarily reduced crime while troop presence was at its peak.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Lopez and multiple bullpen arms got out of tough jams to limit the Red Sox 16 baserunners across the first nine innings to just two runs, only one earned.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

In both premise and execution, the show is hugely reminiscent of the Showtime series of the aughts and early 2010s that featured women in harsh circumstances going to extremes in order to get one over on a society that didn’t care about them.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
Although he would not be drawn on future product pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set for release in September and will be affected by the harsh trading conditions.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

Loyalty programs can become harder to understand when members are confronted with dozens of offers that have little connection to the brand’s identity.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Miami’s roster Saturday was depleted as German Berterame is out on concussion protocol after a hard hit against Montreal that resulted in him exiting the field in an ambulance.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of hard

Adjective

Even a rough one shortens the negotiation and produces a fairer number for both sides.

— Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
The men were diving a reef off Duck Key, in the Middle Keys, when they became separated from their boat amid rough waters, FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender said.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of rough

Adjective

The trope, fair or not, has often overshadowed the fact that science fiction and horror are absolutely perfect bedfellows, with outer space's total isolation, tiny quarters, and oppressive vastness perfectly suited for the horror genre.

— Matthew Razak, Space.com, 26 July 2026
Crews are working nonstop to meet Mayor Karen Bass’ mid-August deadline to clear out 85 million pounds of food that continues to rot in oppressive heat.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of oppressive

Adjective

Either way, a spot in the round of 32 would be a just reward for a team that is unbeaten two games into what has been an extremely trying tournament off the field.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
More than half of the search-and-rescue workers who show up for the most trying missions are BUSARs.

— Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026

Definition of trying

Adjective

And, as the Punisher, Frank is known to enact particularly brutal, bloody vengeance.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 31 July 2026
After opening the season on the big-league roster and then suffering a demotion after a brutal debut, Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter could be poised to make a stunning return to the mound against the Orioles.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of brutal

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Browse Nearby Words

hard goods

hardhanded

hardhandedness

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“Hardhanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardhanded. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hardhanded

adjective

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