hard science
noun
: a science (such as chemistry, physics, or astronomy) that deals with things that can be observed and measured
Examples of hard science in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Deeptech start-ups are built on hard science or engineering breakthroughs that solve big problems, not just on apps or consumer trends.
—
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
This is because hard science is high-risk and doesn’t tend to have a short-term profit margin.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
That fact is simply that science, particularly hard science like chemistry, physics, and astronomy, is now extraordinarily well-developed.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
Hone Your Soft Skills Quantum engineering isn’t just about hard science.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Oct. 2025
Welcome to the final frontier of sci-fi fandom: an extra hard science fiction quiz.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
This is hard science fiction that ponders monumental questions about loyalty, technology and who (or what) deserves to survive.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 6 Aug. 2025
Here’s what a top doctor does based on hard science
Falls can cause head injuries or broken bones that can lead to permanent disability and trigger a cascade of other health problems.
—CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Indeed, coexistence is more nuanced than applying hard science to a problem.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
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Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
This is because hard science is high-risk and doesn’t tend to have a short-term profit margin.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
That fact is simply that science, particularly hard science like chemistry, physics, and astronomy, is now extraordinarily well-developed.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
Hone Your Soft Skills Quantum engineering isn’t just about hard science.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Oct. 2025
Welcome to the final frontier of sci-fi fandom: an extra hard science fiction quiz.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
This is hard science fiction that ponders monumental questions about loyalty, technology and who (or what) deserves to survive.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 6 Aug. 2025
Here’s what a top doctor does based on hard science
Falls can cause head injuries or broken bones that can lead to permanent disability and trigger a cascade of other health problems.
—CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Indeed, coexistence is more nuanced than applying hard science to a problem.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hard science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20science. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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