Synonyms of hard-pressed

hard-pressed

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈprest 

as in perplexed

faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do

they will be hard-pressed to come up with any facts that actually support their argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

• perplexed
• baffled
• bewildered
• embarrassed
• nonplussed
• put to it
• confused
• flustered
• at a loss
• hard put
• confounded
• disconcerted
• fazed
• put out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undaunted
• composed
• unfazed
• untroubled

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hard-pressed

If Vancouver can sustain that level of consistent threat on the power play, the Canucks will be hard-pressed to remain at the bottom of the standings. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Even if the bullpen had been perfect after Rodriguez left, the Angels still would have been hard-pressed to win with the current state of their lineup. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026

The fact that most non-Natives, and many Natives as well, would be hard-pressed to put together a list of Native American foods—that’s colonization in action. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

American consumers are hard-pressed to remember a time when inflation wasn’t on their minds. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 19 July 2026