HARD Synonyms: 1008 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hard 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhärd

Definition of hard next

as in ruthless

having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings a hard man, who never had a kind word for anyone

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort clearing land is hard work a hard exam to pass

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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

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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?

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as in tough

difficult to endure the hard life of a migrant farm worker

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as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect a carpet that withstood years of hard wear

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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

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as in solid

having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure hard candies fell on the hard floor and bruised her arm

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as in stable

having been established and usually not subject to change there isn't always a hard line between right and wrong

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as in sore

having or showing deep-seated resentment maintained hard feelings toward those who had cheated him

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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

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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

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hard

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adverb

as in intensively

with great effort or determination we took a much-needed break after working hard all week a hard-won victory

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as in bitterly

with feelings of bitterness or grief took the news of their grandfather's death hard

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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

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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

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as in harshly

in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering the dog had been treated hard by his previous owner

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hard work

arduous work

rigorous work

tough work

laborious work

exhausting 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

The strengths of Love, Brooklyn make the weaknesses harder to shake. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025 Hamilton pressed Baker hard, but without any trace of theatrics or posturing. —

John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard

Adjective

They are expected to manage the roster with a little more thought paid to player welfare and a little less thought paid to marginal gains and ruthless efficiency.

— Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025
Here's the idea: Buried deep within Starfleet exists an anonymous, ruthless intelligence agency that operates out of sight of most Federation citizens and Starfleet officers.

— Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 28 Jan. 2025