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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
This is hardly the first controversy surrounding the famous statues.
—
Francesca Aton For Artnews, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The mainstream media can hardly keep up reporting all of these idiocies.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Timely role-player contributions are hardly unique to this year.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
That was hardly all the series had to offer, though.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Francesca Aton For Artnews, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The mainstream media can hardly keep up reporting all of these idiocies.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Timely role-player contributions are hardly unique to this year.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
That was hardly all the series had to offer, though.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardly
Adverb
-
But a night like Saturday is also about the feelings that football engenders in people, no matter the origins of a team’s success.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
-
This piece of wearable tech creates cooling and warming sensations to keep you at your perfect temperature no matter the weather.—
Maggie Gillette,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 June 2025
Adverb
-
The Dalmatian was discovered in dire condition by officials for the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) with barely any light left in her eyes, the shelter said.—
TJ Macias,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
-
His penalty, barely three minutes earlier, led to a Roope Hintz power-play goal that narrowed Edmonton’s lead to 3-2, but then Ekholm blocked a shot from Thomas Harley at the right faceoff dot.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adverb
-
Here, sadly, a template was being set for Fuller’s existence as a social being.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
-
As such, the vast majority of professional women in our workforce have interrupted careers; sadly, the resultant gaps on their resumés make resuming work and maintaining traction exceedingly difficult, sometimes impossible.—
Susan Rietano Davey,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
Adverb
-
Legislators must work hard to protect the Historic Preservation Fund.—
Aaron Marcavitch,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
-
Similarly, Williams is on the record expressing his desire to be coached hard and welcoming Johnson’s arrival as a catalyst to his development.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Adverb
-
Philpott, who founded CanAm Physician Recruiting in the 1990s, said the cross-border movement of American and Canadian doctors has for decades ebbed and flowed in reaction to political and economic fluctuations, but that the pull toward Canada has never been as strong as now.—
Brett Kelman,
NPR,
29 May 2025
-
The return to sustained relevancy –- something that seemed next-to-impossible for over two decades –- is new for younger fans who never saw the beloved ’90s90’s teams.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
29 May 2025
Adverb
-
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique just opened in Guanacaste—and T+L was the first to check in.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
-
Keep scrolling to check out my 10 go-to beach essentials, with prices starting at just $9.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Adverb
-
This person should communicate well, listen intently and have extensive experience in this area of law.—
Lisa Zeiderman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
Noel, listening intently, sat beside Franco and Carlos Baerga on the bench.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardly. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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