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

With phones, keys, multi-tools, flashlights, water bottles and charging cables, the modern trouser and jacket pocket has a tough job coping.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Trump’s proclamation would have delayed compliance with the tougher standards from 2027 until 2029, though EPA ultimately repealed them in February.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Court records show that Jang reported McKinsey to police in 2023, accusing him of shoving one of their children and using rough physical discipline with them generally.

— TERRY CHEA, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Tori famously dated Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s main character, Zack Morris, despite the two having gotten off to a rough start.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of rough

Adjective

Central Connecticut State University President Zulma Toro resigned Wednesday following an investigation into a complaint alleging the workplace culture under her leadership was oppressive, bullying and intimidating.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 23 Sep. 2026
In its opening episodes, the series carefully distinguishes Lizzie from her male killer counterparts while highlighting the oppressive conditions women faced in the era.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Sep. 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

Thirty-two years after Brown Simpson's brutal killing, her sister continues to alert people to the dangers of intimate partner violence.

— Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
The Trojans face Washington at the Coliseum before a brutal stretch that includes Penn State, Indiana and Ohio State, with their playoff hopes at stake.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of brutal

Adjective

Regional forecasts are often concerned with extreme events, such as heavy rainfall, squall lines, severe thunderstorms or hurricanes.

— Chanh Kieu, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Measles vaccination rates are low, families are large, and people may not seek care unless the illness becomes severe.

— STAT, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of severe

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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 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hardhanded

adjective

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