hard 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

hard

2 of 2

adverb

1
2
3
4
5

Try This Instead

For
Try This
hard work
arduous work
tough work
hard feelings
bitter feelings
hurtful feelings
hateful feelings
hostile feelings
strained feelings
a hard surface
a solid surface
a firm surface
a stiff surface
a durable surface
a tough surface
a hard time
a tough time
a difficult time
a rough time
a grueling time
an arduous time
hard choices
tough choices
difficult choices
complicated choices
impossible choices
daunting choices

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hard different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and difficult are common synonyms of hard. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

In what contexts can arduous take the place of hard?

In some situations, the words arduous and hard are roughly equivalent. However, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When would difficult be a good substitute for hard?

The words difficult and hard can be used in similar contexts, but difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

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
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
His frustration has been compounded by his hitting a number of balls hard recently that were right at fielders. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025 The aluminum company is among the top hardest hit by Trump’s aluminum tariffs, projecting a $90 million tariff hit in the second quarter. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard
Adjective
  • Wes Anderson is talking about a surreal moment that occurs early in his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, in which the protagonist, the ruthless international tycoon Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), experiences a vision of the afterlife.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 May 2025
  • But that this most ruthless edition of Chelsea’s six successive years of WSL superiority has come under the supervision of a new head coach, Sonia Bompastor, following the end of the 12-year Emma Hayes era, is perhaps most impressive of all.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Two of Elissa’s tumors were obliterated that day, but the third was too difficult to reach without repositioning Elissa’s body in a way that would have taken too much time under anesthesia.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Luca Solca sector head for global luxury goods at Bernstein Clouding the picture further, many other premium Swiss watchmakers including Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, are privately owned, making their performance difficult to decipher.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • The paddles are crafted with a sturdy, lightweight design suitable for players just starting and looking to develop their skills.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower court to reconsider whether the shooting was reasonable under the lengthier timeframe that must be considered.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • There is a very reasonable bet that something like this happens.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • But his sharpness increased as the tournament progressed, especially in the semi-final against his toughest opponent on paper, Stephen Nedoroscik.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 10 May 2025
  • Dodging tough questions without seeming a bit evasive.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the game, the station is in the bright sunlight, and the subway tunnel experience takes a lot longer, and isn’t quite as intense.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • And, George, Elon Musk told reporters this week it's been a very intense 100 days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Until May 24, stars attending premieres and other events sprinkled throughout the festival grounds will have to follow the organization's notoriously strict outfit guidelines, which appear to have only gotten tighter.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Alternatively, wear them with a solid, black button-down shirt for a business lunch or dinner.
    Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
  • The district will work on the official policies in the upcoming months to have a solid policy by the start of the 2025-26 school year.
    Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!