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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tough

difficult to endure the hard life of a migrant farm worker

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intense

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in solid

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stable

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sore

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hard

2 of 2

adverb

as in intensively

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bitterly

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in harshly

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For

Try This

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

Examples 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

In recent years, airlines have worked hard to revamp airplane food's reputation. —

Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2024 And at least in the most archetypal version of the story — which the movie leans into, hard — Seeger was deeply offended by Dylan’s decision to drown out his own lyrics, and violate the festival’s communal, rootsy spirit with raucous noise. —

Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard

Adjective

The ruthless military officer with the monocle and the swagger stick who sends his men to senseless death and/or turns traitor.

Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
Her wife and now-teenage daughter stood by her throughout the process, despite ruthless coverage from Mexican and Spanish news outlets, some of which continue to misgender and deadname her to this day.

Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024