hard 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhärd How to pronounce hard (audio)
Definition of hardnext
1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort clearing land is hard work a hard exam to pass

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2
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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3
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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4
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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5
as in tough
difficult to endure the hard life of a migrant farm worker

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6
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect a carpet that withstood years of hard wear

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7
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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8
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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9
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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10
as in sore
having or showing deep-seated resentment maintained hard feelings toward those who had cheated him

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11
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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12
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

2 of 2

adverb

1
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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2
as in bitterly
with feelings of bitterness or grief took the news of their grandfather's death hard

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3
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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4
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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5
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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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
When Kuligowski, of Orlando, Florida, found a chance to mention his Christian faith, the woman, who lived in East Asia, said churches were hard to find there. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 July 2026 Empathy drives us through hard and turbulent conversations; empathy drives humanity to progress to a better reality. — Vriti Shah, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Adverb
Freshen Your Garbage Disposal Your garbage disposal is working hard all the time and may need a bit of deodorizing. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 27 July 2026 SpaceX is working hard to get the giant rocket up and running soon. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard
  1. difficult
  2. ruthless
  3. sturdy
  4. reasonable
  5. tough
  6. intense
  7. strict
  8. solid
Adjective
  • Strickland said even getting equipment on the road during construction can be difficult for farmers.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
  • While following the money may be difficult, there are other signs of the growing role of organized crime in politics.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • The author's personal journey highlights how ruthless prioritization, risk management, and resourcefulness, born from necessity, became foundations for financial stability.
    — Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • In Season 2, the ruthless, backstabbing family behind a beauty brand — and an underground trafficking ring — will face a reckoning.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 July 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • The outdoorsy traveler hiking the gorges in Crete or the trails in Andros should bring a pair of sturdy shoes, a hat for sun protection, and tons of SPF.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 27 July 2026
  • December 22 – January 19 A home or family issue may need a sturdier foundation, not another temporary fix.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Just as reasonable public health officials had warned, measles is now finding vulnerable victims across the country.
    — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
  • No reasonable person would argue against providing animals with excellent medical care.
    — Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • The city's local Democratic lawmakers claim that the tough-on-crime policies only temporarily reduced crime while troop presence was at its peak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Lopez and multiple bullpen arms got out of tough jams to limit the Red Sox 16 baserunners across the first nine innings to just two runs, only one earned.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • His plan, scheduled for a vote at the Beach commission on Wednesday after two years of often-intense debate and revision, comes in the prosaic form of a technical zoning change.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Criticism from the political left was, predictably, swift and intense.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • But while the county has strict guidelines about cashless businesses, there are exceptions.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
  • With the school’s strict dress code, Prince George will likely be seen more often in the suited style featured in his parents’ birthday post.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • Randy Dobnak impresses again While Collins led the way offensively, the Royals got a solid effort from right-handed starting pitcher Randy Dobnak.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • In Galecki’s family room, the largest pieces are solid colors, including a blue velvet sofa, a yellow chair and a brown leather chair.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing hard

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harbors
hard
hard-and-fast
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Cite this Entry

“Hard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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