1
as in hardship
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
the test questions were rated for hardness, a rating of five indicating the most difficult
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)
the aunt's hardness gradually crumbled under the influence of the little orphan's endearing ways
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardness
The ego, the hardness, the … callousness of anything that might be on the heart or the mind had literally just melted away.
—
Kelsie Hoffman, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
For context, Limestone, which also contains calcite, has a 2 or 3 hardness rating.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
The hardness of the food and the strength of the beak also influence what a bird eats.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
Combined with the material’s monocrystalline hardness—which resists deformation and produces an ethereal, resonant tone—this construction gives Chopard’s sonneries their unmistakable symphony.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardness
Kelsie Hoffman, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
For context, Limestone, which also contains calcite, has a 2 or 3 hardness rating.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
The hardness of the food and the strength of the beak also influence what a bird eats.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
Combined with the material’s monocrystalline hardness—which resists deformation and produces an ethereal, resonant tone—this construction gives Chopard’s sonneries their unmistakable symphony.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardness
Noun
-
Economic hardship is pushing workers to choose cheaper travel options, some taking 30-hour trains instead of faster, costlier alternatives.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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The hardships sparked mass emigration and economic collapse, leaving an even deeper mark — one that still surfaces in quiet dinners with strangers like us.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This significant reduction in impact speed and severity is a demonstration of the material safety benefit of the Waymo Driver.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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The migrant boat capsized and sank due to the severity of the impact, causing all passengers on board to fall into the sea a few miles off the coast of Turkey, the statement said.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, semiconductor analysts broadly agree with Cheng’s assessment that Washington’s most ambitious onshoring plans are unfeasible, citing the difficulties of relocating such an advanced supply chain.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
10 Feb. 2026
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For serious symptoms, like difficulty breathing or rash with a fever, get immediate medical attention.—
Ruth Jessen Hickman,
Health,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardness. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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