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
Water hardness is determined by the amount of minerals present in your water.
—
Sherri Gordon, Health, 19 Dec. 2024
For all its ugliness, hardness is seductive, as is a toxic, dominating man’s pull.
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
Water hardness is created by minerals such as calcium carbonate.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 15 July 2024
Some small clinical trials have shown biotin supplements may help strengthen brittle nails by improving their firmness, thickness and hardness.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hardness 
Sherri Gordon, Health, 19 Dec. 2024
For all its ugliness, hardness is seductive, as is a toxic, dominating man’s pull.
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
Water hardness is created by minerals such as calcium carbonate.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 15 July 2024
Some small clinical trials have shown biotin supplements may help strengthen brittle nails by improving their firmness, thickness and hardness.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hardness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardness
Noun
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Romance scammers often target vulnerable people who have experienced a recent breakup or other hardship.—
Jan Diaz,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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Yet, amid this hardship, we have also been inspired by the incredible generosity of our members – opening their homes, providing resources, and rallying together in support.—
Carolyn Giardina,
Variety,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Depending on the type and severity, symptoms might include dry, flaky skin that itches, cracks, appears red, or forms blisters.—
Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed,
Health,
7 Feb. 2025
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Incidents are included here based on severity, impact on public safety or other factors.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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These categories are color-coded and vary in difficulty, with purple considered the hardest category and yellow considered the easiest.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Kate Gibson,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hardness
Cite this Entry
“Hardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardness. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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