Synonyms of hard
-
as in difficult 
-
as in ruthless
-
as in sturdy
-
as in reasonable
-
as in tough
-
as in intense
-
as in strict
-
as in solid
-
as in stable
-
as in sore
-
as in stubborn
-
as in historical
-
as in intensively
-
as in bitterly
-
as in strongly
-
as in close
-
as in harshly
-
Try This Instead
-
Synonym Chooser
-
Example Sentences
-
Phrases Containing
-
Entries Near
-
Related Articles
1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
clearing land is hard work a hard exam to pass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in tough
difficult to endure
the hard life of a migrant farm worker
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
a carpet that withstood years of hard wear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in stable
having been established and usually not subject to change
there isn't always a hard line between right and wrong
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in sore
having or showing deep-seated resentment
maintained hard feelings toward those who had cheated him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in intensively
with great effort or determination
we took a much-needed break after working hard all week a hard-won victory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bitterly
with feelings of bitterness or grief
took the news of their grandfather's death hard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in harshly
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering
the dog had been treated hard by his previous owner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
hard work
hard choices
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
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
-
Following the loss of their family home, the couple was surrounded by the love and support of friends and family who stepped up to help them during this difficult time.—
Clea Haran,
Parents,
23 June 2025
-
This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Confronting Iran’s ruthless campaign of terror, nuclear ambitions, and regional aggression demands strength, resolve, and strategic clarity.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
21 June 2025
-
Michael Fassbender plays the deceased Apple guru — a flawed, ruthless, but ultimately compassionate soul.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 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
-
Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
-
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
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
-
There were times when the twin drama got too intense.—
Maris Kreizman,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
-
Moster has long been a target of intense scorn in the Orthodox world.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 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
-
Queen Plus Linen Drawstring Shorts A pair of easy-to-throw-on linen shorts is crucial to a solid summer wardrobe.—
Amber Love Bond,
Travel + Leisure,
28 June 2025
-
The Waterfront has had a solid run since its debut, starting at #1 and continuing until this dethroning that was always going to happen.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share