1
as in severely
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering
the new judge vowed to deal hardly with repeat offenders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in no
certainly not
I would hardly think someone with her attitude could make a good manager
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in barely
by a very small margin
we were hardly able to make it back to camp before darkness set in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sadly
with feelings of bitterness or grief
his broker did not think that he would take his financial losses so hardly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in hard
with great effort or determination
the state championship was a hardly fought contest between two evenly matched teams
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardly
This is hardly the first controversy surrounding the famous statues.
—
Francesca Aton For Artnews, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The mainstream media can hardly keep up reporting all of these idiocies.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Timely role-player contributions are hardly unique to this year.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
That was hardly all the series had to offer, though.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Francesca Aton For Artnews, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The mainstream media can hardly keep up reporting all of these idiocies.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Timely role-player contributions are hardly unique to this year.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
That was hardly all the series had to offer, though.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardly
Adverb
-
State parks, no matter how many generations go by and what modern upgrades are added, still feel wonderfully stuck in time, which gives a great opportunity to share that nostalgic experience with your own children and grandchildren.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
13 June 2025
-
But keeping aging campuses running is costly no matter how many students are there.—
Jennifer Smith Richards,
ProPublica,
13 June 2025
Adverb
-
Despite her largely younger fan base – the demographic that loves streaming sites – Cyrus launches her title on the Official Albums Streaming chart at No. 39, just barely sneaking into the top 40 region.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
The sneaker with a barely there sole comes in a few builds, with laces and without, and its the latter version that’s built up the most steam.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
Adverb
-
But sadly, what’s easiest to remember are those irresponsible kayakers, manatee tour boats and recreational swimmers who harass Florida’s iconic marine mammals.—
Ragan Whitlock,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
-
Coupled with the lovely art style, Bravely Default had a real charm to it that is sadly quite rare these days.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Adverb
-
But the Thunder see their ethos as integral to their playing style, which depends on sustained confidence, readiness, and a willingness to go hard.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
8 June 2025
-
Similarly, Williams is on the record expressing his desire to be coached hard and welcoming Johnson’s arrival as a catalyst to his development.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Adverb
-
Despite having a notable stake in Walmart, Christy Walton has never had any role in running the retailer, which has recently clashed publicly with the Trump administration.—
Jemima McEvoy,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
But Harry never seems to think about the consequences.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
Adverb
-
The American phenom, just 21 years old, won the second Grand Slam championship of her career on Saturday, outlasting world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 at the French Open final in Paris.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
7 June 2025
-
Beutel, a computer engineer specializing in mountain monitoring, had just witnessed a glacier collapse.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
Adverb
-
This person should communicate well, listen intently and have extensive experience in this area of law.—
Lisa Zeiderman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
Noel, listening intently, sat beside Franco and Carlos Baerga on the bench.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardly. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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