1
as in severely
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering
the new judge vowed to deal hardly with repeat offenders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in no
certainly not
I would hardly think someone with her attitude could make a good manager
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in barely
by a very small margin
we were hardly able to make it back to camp before darkness set in
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4
as in sadly
with feelings of bitterness or grief
his broker did not think that he would take his financial losses so hardly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in hard
with great effort or determination
the state championship was a hardly fought contest between two evenly matched teams
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardly
Copper prices should not be so perky at a time when the world’s economy is hardly surging, The Economist cautions.
—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The win over Iowa State was certainly impressive, but their victories over Delaware and Wyoming were hardly moving.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
However, The Bear actor is hardly the first actor to try their luck behind the mic, portraying legendary singers in their onscreen life stories.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The timing could hardly be worse.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The win over Iowa State was certainly impressive, but their victories over Delaware and Wyoming were hardly moving.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
However, The Bear actor is hardly the first actor to try their luck behind the mic, portraying legendary singers in their onscreen life stories.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The timing could hardly be worse.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardly
Adverb
-
The free-trade agenda sought to deregulate the labor market and prioritize market efficiency, strengthening the hands of employers and severely weakening union and social movements, as anti-free traders had predicted.—
Dónal Gill,
The Dial,
28 Oct. 2025
-
And with an additional 100 percent tariff imposed on Chinese imports, China’s economy would be severely slowed.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
27 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Cotton Jersey Sheet Set For versatile sheets that truly do it all, look no further than Threshold’s Cotton Jersey Sheet Set that pairs effortlessly with any comforter, quilt, or throw.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Oct. 2025
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But, no matter how good your intentions are, life always manages to throw a wrench into your cleaning routine.—
Kelsey Mulvey,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
This approach dates back to the 1950s, when superstar forward Alfredo Di Stefano and club president Santiago Bernabeu became Real Madrid legends, while those teams’ European Cup-winning managers, such as Jose Villalonga and Luis Carniglia, are barely remembered today.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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The students documented its growth online and barely contained their excitement when their efforts paid off, said Jeffrey Underwood, a science coordinator at Roseville High School.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
While Wohl’s script is packed to the brim with thoughtful moments of beauty, comedy, and heartbreak, Liberation wouldn’t be nearly as affecting and, sadly, relatable without its stellar cast.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
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Mitnaul said that sadly, animals being left behind in properties is not uncommon.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
There’s nobody who works harder than Cristobal.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
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And even harder, the task ahead for that leader.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Several testers found the monk fruit or allulose sweeteners (depending on flavor) tipped the drinks in a harshly herbal or saccharine direction, and found the high from the Uplifting Watermelon Lime flavor to be jarringly strong.—
Chala June,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
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Tagovailoa was harshly criticized for his comments and later apologized, with many questioning the signal-caller's leadership capabilities.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Cantrell said the sheriff's office has never been contacted by any federal agencies questioning the spending.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
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But the ban, which was supposed to go into effect in 2024, never came to fruition.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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The slightly older cohort of Gen Zers enjoyed thousands more open roles and half the competition that their peers face today.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
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Add the white and pale green scallion pieces, cooking and stirring occasionally until the scallions are slightly charred, about 3 minutes.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardly. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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