hard
1 of 2adjective
ˈhärd 
harder; hardest
1
a
: not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure
hard surfaces
an uncomfortably hard chair
b
of cheese : not capable of being spread : very firm
2
a(1)
of wine or beer : having a bitter or acidic taste
(2)
: having a high concentration of alcohol
hard spirits like vodka and whiskey
b
of beverages : containing alcohol
hard seltzer/lemonade/cider
c
: characterized by the presence of salts (as of calcium or magnesium) that prevent soap from lathering
hard water
3
a
: of or relating to radiation of relatively high penetrating power : having high energy
hard X-rays
b
: having or producing relatively great photographic contrast
a hard negative
4
a
: metallic as distinct from paper
hard money
b
of currency : convertible into gold : stable in value
c
: usable as currency
paid in hard cash
d
of currency : readily acceptable in international trade
e
: being high and unlikely to change
hard prices
5
a
: firmly and closely twisted
hard yarns
b
of fabrics : having a smooth close napless finish
a hard worsted
6
a
: physically fit
in good hard condition
b
: resistant to stress or disease : hardy
a hard plant
c
: free of weakness : unyielding
a man of hard unbending will
7
a(1)
: firm, definite
reached a hard agreement
(2)
: not speculative or conjectural : factual
hard evidence
(3)
: important or informative rather than sensational or entertaining
hard news
(4)
: expressed in a clear and decisive way : leaving no doubt
Offers to install an electric door opener at her own expense were met with a hard no from the garage landlords, whose old-fashioned sensibilities dictated that their tenants use multiple manual locks to secure the space.—
Ronnie Koenig
Ronnie KoenigThe editor [Gene Policinski] said he told Ashe that "USA Today does not print unconfirmed stories from unattributed sources, but in the absence of a hard denial, or confirmation, the information seemed credible and we would continue to pursue the story."—William C. Rhoden
see also hard pass William C. Rhoden b
: close, searching
gave a hard look
c
: free from sentimentality or illusion : realistic
good hard sense
d
: unlikely to respond in a kind or sympathetic way : unfeeling
a hard heart
8
a(1)
: difficult to bear or endure
hard luck
hard times
(2)
: oppressive, inequitable
sales taxes are hard on the poor
a hard restriction
b(1)
: lacking consideration, compassion, or gentleness : callous
a hard greedy landlord
(2)
: incapable of being corrected or disciplined : tough, unruly
a hard gang
c(1)
: harsh, severe, or offensive in tendency or effect
said some hard things
(2)
: marked by resentment
hard feelings
(3)
: strict, unrelenting
drives a hard bargain
d
: inflicting physical discomfort or hardship : inclement
hard winter
e(1)
: intense in force, manner, or degree
hard blows
(2)
: demanding the exertion of energy : calling for stamina and endurance
hard work
(3)
: performing or carrying on with great energy, intensity, or persistence
a hard worker
f
: most unyielding or thoroughgoing
the hard political right
9
a
: characterized by sharp or harsh outline, rigid execution, and stiff drawing
hard forms
b
: sharply defined : stark
hard shadows
c
: lacking in shading, delicacy, or resonance
hard singing tones
d
: sounding as in candy and geese respectively —used of c and g
the word arc is pronounced with a hard c
e
: suggestive of toughness or insensitivity
hard eyes
10
a(1)
: difficult to accomplish or resolve : troublesome
hard problems
The true story was hard to come by.
(2)
: difficult to comprehend or explain
a hard concept
b
: having difficulty in doing something
hard of hearing
c
: difficult to magnetize or demagnetize
11
: being at once addictive and gravely detrimental to health
such hard drugs as heroin
12
: resistant to biodegradation
hard detergents
hard pesticides such as DDT
13
: being, schooled in, or using the methods of the natural sciences and especially of the physical sciences
a hard scientist
14
of money : contributed (as by individuals or political action committees) directly to a particular candidate or campaign
hard
2 of 2adverb
1
a
: with great or utmost effort or energy : strenuously
were hard at work
b
: in a violent manner : fiercely
hit the ball hard
The wind was blowing hard.
c
: to the full extent —usually used in nautical directions
steer hard aport
d
: to an immoderate degree
been drinking hard lately
e
: in a searching, close, or concentrated manner
stared hard at me
2
a
: in such a manner as to cause hardship, difficulty, or pain
The economic downturn has hit the poor especially hard.
b
: with rancor, bitterness, or grief
took the defeat hard
3
: in a firm manner : tightly
hold on hard
4
: to the point of hardness
frozen hard
5
: close in time or space
stands hard by the river
Synonyms
Adjective
- affectless
- callous
- case-hardened
- cold-blooded
- compassionless
- desensitized
- hard-boiled
- hard-hearted
- heartless
- indurate
- inhuman
- inhumane
- insensate
- insensitive
- ironhearted
- merciless
- obdurate
- pachydermatous
- pitiless
- remorseless
- ruthless
- slash-and-burn
- soulless
- stony
- stoney
- stonyhearted
- take-no-prisoners
- thick-skinned
- uncharitable
- unfeeling
- unmerciful
- unsparing
- unsympathetic
Adverb
- amain
- arduously
- assiduously
- determinedly
- diligently
- doggedly
- hardly
- industriously
- intensely
- intensively
- intently
- laboriously
- mightily
- purposefully
- resolutely
- sedulously
- slavishly
- strenuously
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective She was asked a lot of hard questions. We're going to have to make some hard choices. It was very hard to find a replacement for her. Their story is hard to believe. It's hard not to worry about her. It's hard to tell what she's thinking. He has learned a hard lesson. His health has suffered from years of hard living. This old bicycle has obviously gotten some hard use. Adverb You have to work hard in order to succeed. I know how hard she tried. She ran as hard as she could. We've thought long and hard about this problem. He hit the ball hard. The ball hit him hard on the wrist. He pressed his nose hard against the window. She pushed hard against the door, but it wouldn't open. The wind was blowing hard. The snow came down hard. See More
Recent Examples on the WebAlia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023 Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 Die-hard Chiefs fan Paul Rudd was on the field before the game, sporting a big smile and a team jersey. —Andrew Dalton, ajc, 13 Feb. 2023 For extra reliability, choose a suitcase with a hard shell crafted from either polycarbonate or aluminum. —Austa Somvichian-clausen, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2023 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 Die-hard Chiefs fan Paul Rudd was on the field before the game, sporting a big smile and a team jersey. —Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2023 The five-year commemoration of that day is particularly hard for Jennifer, who usually shies away from talking publicly about her loss. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2023 Nell Lewis, CNN, 20 Feb. 2023 That project was, with all due respect to the film itself and everyone involved, who worked extremely hard ... —Mary Colurso | Mcolurso@al.com, al, 20 Feb. 2023 His never-ending motor and willingness to go hard on every play is one of his best assets. —Brian Sampson, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023 Becker is shown red-eyed, but still as hard-hitting as his famous serve. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Feb. 2023 The pandemic struck hard and fast, and for months, not a single drug, biologic therapy, vaccine or test was available to combat the coronavirus. —oregonlive, 19 Feb. 2023 Rosalía hard-launched her relationship with Puerto Rican singer Raul Alejandro, one photo showing off the human-sized teddy bear one of them received. —André-naquian Wheeler, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2023 Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin closed out too hard and tried to take away Essegian’s right hand. —Jeff Potrykus, Journal Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2023 Unsurprisingly, creating practical machines that can do this at scale is almost as hard as the science itself. —Kristin M. Gilkes, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2023 See More
Adjective
Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas. —Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023 Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 Die-hard Chiefs fan Paul Rudd was on the field before the game, sporting a big smile and a team jersey. —Andrew Dalton, ajc, 13 Feb. 2023 For extra reliability, choose a suitcase with a hard shell crafted from either polycarbonate or aluminum. —Austa Somvichian-clausen, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2023 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 Die-hard Chiefs fan Paul Rudd was on the field before the game, sporting a big smile and a team jersey. —Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2023 The five-year commemoration of that day is particularly hard for Jennifer, who usually shies away from talking publicly about her loss. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2023 Adverb
Its cream coloring and dark brown or orange spots blend in with the sandy floor, making the fish hard to spot, and even harder to photograph. —Nell Lewis, CNN, 20 Feb. 2023 That project was, with all due respect to the film itself and everyone involved, who worked extremely hard ... —Mary Colurso | Mcolurso@al.com, al, 20 Feb. 2023 His never-ending motor and willingness to go hard on every play is one of his best assets. —Brian Sampson, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023 Becker is shown red-eyed, but still as hard-hitting as his famous serve. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Feb. 2023 The pandemic struck hard and fast, and for months, not a single drug, biologic therapy, vaccine or test was available to combat the coronavirus. —oregonlive, 19 Feb. 2023 Rosalía hard-launched her relationship with Puerto Rican singer Raul Alejandro, one photo showing off the human-sized teddy bear one of them received. —André-naquian Wheeler, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2023 Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin closed out too hard and tried to take away Essegian’s right hand. —Jeff Potrykus, Journal Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2023 Unsurprisingly, creating practical machines that can do this at scale is almost as hard as the science itself. —Kristin M. Gilkes, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2023 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Adverb
Middle English, from Old English heard; akin to Old High German hart hard, Greek kratos strength
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing hard
Kids Definition
hard
1 of 2 adjective ˈhärd
1
: not easily penetrated, cut, or divided into parts : not soft
2
a
: high in alcoholic content
hard cider
b
: containing substances that prevent lathering with soap
hard water
3
: stable and high in value and often convertible into gold
hard currency
4
a
: physically fit
b
: resistant to stress or disease
c
: free of weakness or defects
5
a
: firm entry 1 sense 2a, definite
a hard agreement
b
: based on clear fact
hard evidence
c
: being thorough, intense, and searching
a hard look
d
: lacking sympathy or tender feelings : unfeeling
a hard heart
6
a
: difficult to endure : harsh, severe
hard words
a hard winter
b
: resentful sense 2
hard feelings
c
: strict sense 1
drives a hard bargain
d
: physically or mentally difficult
a hard problem
hard work
7
: diligent, energetic
a hard worker
8
a
: sharply or harshly defined or outlined
hard shadows
b
: sounding as in cold and geese respectively —used of c and g
hard
2 of 2 adverb1
a
: with great effort or energy
work hard
try hard
b
: in a violent manner : fiercely
the wind blew hard
2
a
: in such a manner as to cause hardship, bitterness, or pain
the storm hit them hard
b
: with bitterness or grief
took the defeat hard
3
: in a firm manner : tightly
hold hard to something
4
: to the point of hardness
dry hard
5
: close in time or space
the school stood hard by a river
Medical Definition
hard
adjective ˈhärd
1
: not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure
2
a
of liquor : strongly alcoholic
specifically : having an alcoholic content of more than 22.5 percent
b
: characterized by the presence of salts (as of calcium or magnesium) that prevent lathering with soap
hard water
3
: of or relating to radiation of relatively high penetrating power
hard X-rays
4
a
: physically fit
in good hard condition
b
: resistant to stress (as disease)
5
: being at once addictive and gravely detrimental to health
such hard drugs as heroin
6
: resistant to biodegradation
hard detergents
hard pesticides like DDT
hardness noun
hard 1 of 2
adjective
1
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
- ruthless
- merciless
- tough
- stony
- harsh
- brutal
- oppressive
- cruel
- abusive
- callous
- pitiless
- insensitive
- indurate
- heartless
- hateful
- obdurate
- inhuman
- inhumane
- stern
- remorseless
- unmerciful
- unsparing
- unsympathetic
- grim
- malicious
- uncharitable
- severe
- vicious
- soulless
- unfeeling
- rough
- mean
- desensitized
- affectless
- insensate
- compassionless
- pachydermatous
- stonyhearted
- stoney
- thick-skinned
- hard-hearted
- ironhearted
- savage
- case-hardened
- take-no-prisoners
- hard-boiled
- cold
- unfriendly
- slash-and-burn
- inconsiderate
- uncaring
- ungentle
- thoughtless
- disagreeable
- sledgehammer
- cold-blooded
- unloving
- boorish
- unthinking
- surly
- heedless
- spiteful
- virulent
- acrimonious
- malevolent
- ironhanded
- barbarous
- rancorous
- bestial
- brutish
- hard-bitten
- jackbooted
- austere
- knock-down-and-drag-out
- rough-and-tumble
- heavy-handed
- knock-down, drag-out
- frosty
- ironfisted
- ill-natured
- ill-tempered
- evil-minded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sensitive
- warm
- sympathetic
- kind
- gentle
- kindly
- merciful
- charitable
- compassionate
- humane
- tender
- lenient
- mild
- benevolent
- kindhearted
- friendly
- indulgent
- warmhearted
- gracious
- softhearted
- loving
- benignant
- tenderhearted
- cordial
- tolerant
- understanding
- affectionate
- fond
- clement
- good-natured
- good-tempered
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort clearing land is hard work a hard exam to pass Synonyms & Similar Words
- difficult
- challenging
- tough
- demanding
- rigorous
- formidable
- heavy
- rough
- complicated
- rugged
- effortful
- testing
- exhausting
- tall
- sweaty
- severe
- arduous
- uphill
- painful
- strenuous
- intricate
- laborious
- grueling
- complex
- stiff
- herculean
- backbreaking
- killer
- trying
- exacting
- serious
- toilsome
- murderous
- involved
- annoying
- problematic
- elusive
- gruelling
- tricky
- tight
- hellacious
- grim
- brutal
- stubborn
- stressful
- moiling
- bruising
- pick-and-shovel
- abstract
- taxing
- labored
- hairy
- problematical
- troublesome
- oppressive
- strict
- onerous
- opaque
- thorny
- abstruse
- ticklish
- burdensome
- insoluble
- knotty
- spiny
- irksome
- Augean
- recondite
- bothersome
- cruel
- stringent
- distressing
- vexatious
- inhuman
- grievous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- easy
- simple
- soft
- light
- cheap
- clear
- effortless
- doable
- undemanding
- facile
- mindless
- elementary
- achievable
- smooth
- uncomplicated
- gentle
- comforting
- soothing
- painless
- manageable
- relaxed
- friendly
- accessible
- idiotproof
- user-friendly
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- sturdy
- hardy
- tough
- strong
- hardened
- rugged
- stout
- vigorous
- durable
- toughened
- inured
- healthy
- robust
- hard-bitten
- permanent
- staunch
- resilient
- stable
- lasting
- enduring
- cast-iron
- tenacious
- thriving
- staying
- leathery
- prospering
- unyielding
- flinty
- stanch
- stalwart
- everlasting
- immortal
- fit
- sound
- muscular
- tempered
- imperishable
- strapping
- fortified
- flourishing
- virile
- hale
- brawny
- seasoned
- lusty
- annealed
- husky
- able-bodied
- red-blooded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- soft
- weak
- delicate
- tender
- worn
- wasted
- exhausted
- weakened
- fragile
- sensitive
- enfeebled
- unsound
- vulnerable
- incapacitated
- debilitated
- frail
- diseased
- infirm
- crippled
- emasculated
- susceptible
- puny
- nonhardy
- temporary
- sapped
- enervated
- worn-out
- transient
- yielding
- perishable
- mortal
- run-down
- resistless
- unresistant
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? Synonyms & Similar Words
- reasonable
- good
- logical
- reasoned
- sensible
- valid
- solid
- just
- rational
- true
- justified
- firm
- plausible
- sober
- real
- informed
- commonsense
- commonsensible
- convincing
- sure
- validated
- credible
- certain
- actual
- commonsensical
- levelheaded
- well-founded
- substantiated
- certified
- verified
- confirmed
- cogent
- corroborated
- colorable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unreasonable
- illogical
- irrational
- invalid
- weak
- nonsensical
- unjustified
- unsound
- uninformed
- unfounded
- unsupported
- groundless
- flimsy
- unwarranted
- implausible
- nonrational
- unconvincing
- nonvalid
- unsubstantiated
- unreasoned
- false
- misguided
- fallacious
- misled
5
as in tough
difficult to endure the hard life of a migrant farm worker Synonyms & Similar Words
- tough
- trying
- harsh
- rough
- searing
- brutal
- oppressive
- severe
- cruel
- painful
- heavy
- grim
- onerous
- rugged
- burdensome
- excruciating
- bleak
- bitter
- inhuman
- stiff
- uncomfortable
- hardhanded
- murderous
- grievous
- bad
- strict
- unpleasant
- unbearable
- overwhelming
- forbidding
- rigorous
- inhospitable
- spartan
- biting
- grinding
- stringent
- crushing
- austere
- agonizing
- inclement
- wearing
- discomforting
- heartbreaking
- wild
- intolerable
- tortuous
- comfortless
- intemperate
- harrowing
- hostile
- disagreeable
- wretched
- unendurable
- heartrending
- insufferable
- unfriendly
- insupportable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- easy
- soft
- light
- comfortable
- pleasant
- luxurious
- friendly
- cozy
- agreeable
- hospitable
- peaceful
- relaxing
- genial
- restful
- moderate
- tolerable
- gentle
- calm
- snug
- bearable
- mild
- painless
- temperate
- endurable
- balmy
- reposeful
- clement
6
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect a carpet that withstood years of hard wear Synonyms & Similar Words
- intense
- intensive
- terrible
- fierce
- deep
- heavy
- ferocious
- furious
- profound
- violent
- keen
- excruciating
- vicious
- explosive
- acute
- dreadful
- fearful
- exquisite
- vehement
- almighty
- harsh
- ghastly
- fearsome
- frightful
- blistering
- hellacious
- intensified
- concentrated
- heavy-duty
- aggravated
- stressed
- heightened
- severe
- accentuated
- emphasized
- enhanced
- deepened
- exhaustive
- thorough
- rigorous
- magnified
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- soft
- light
- moderate
- weak
- feeble
- shallow
- superficial
- qualified
- eased
- toned (down)
- decreased
- moderated
- subdued
- reduced
- diminished
- lightened
- lessened
- alleviated
- abated
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- tough
- strict
- harsh
- authoritarian
- rigorous
- rigid
- stern
- hardened
- severe
- relentless
- merciless
- gruff
- ramrod
- steadfast
- austere
- relentless
- flinty
- demanding
- determined
- adamant
- heavy-handed
- unforgiving
- uncompromising
- bullying
- callous
- pitiless
- unrelenting
- exacting
- unbending
- inflexible
- stiff
- implacable
- unyielding
- uncharitable
- immovable
- adamantine
- unsparing
- ascetic
- dour
- resolved
- ossified
- unflinching
- obstinate
- monastic
- hard-line
- hard-hearted
- monkish
- firm
- intractable
- dogged
- browbeating
- rock-ribbed
- ascetical
- single-minded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- easy
- gentle
- lenient
- lax
- soft
- tolerant
- indulgent
- kind
- forbearing
- mild
- patient
- easygoing
- undemanding
- willing
- charitable
- clement
- merciful
- accepting
- compromising
- softhearted
- flexible
- responsive
- yielding
- agreeable
- laid-back
- amenable
- pliable
- compliant
- pliant
- complaisant
- acquiescent
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- solid
- stiff
- thick
- rigid
- heavy
- unyielding
- dense
- compact
- compressed
- firm
- compressed
- sturdy
- hardened
- compacted
- close
- inflexible
- tempered
- unbending
- indurated
- stiffened
- substantial
- inelastic
- condensed
- rocklike
- ramrod
- adamantine
- impenetrable
- case-hardened
- thickset
- impermeable
- nonporous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- soft
- thin
- loose
- spongy
- flexible
- flabby
- scattered
- elastic
- malleable
- pliable
- squishy
- light
- supple
- slack
- floppy
- pliant
- limp
- squashy
- flaccid
- porous
- bendable
- airy
- permeable
- droopy
- lank
- ultrasoft
9
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
- stable
- certain
- final
- fixed
- unchangeable
- set
- unchanging
- firm
- settled
- flat
- determinate
- frozen
- steady
- hard-and-fast
- inexpugnable
- constant
- good
- uniform
- specific
- tried
- given
- reliable
- definite
- solid
- sure
- explicit
- unwavering
- true
- dependable
- safe
- exact
- responsible
- nonnegotiable
- stated
- trustworthy
- nonadjustable
- stipulated
- trusty
- noncancelable
- tried-and-true
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- adjustable
- changeable
- negotiable
- uncertain
- unpredictable
- variable
- volatile
- indefinite
- unstable
- unspecified
- capricious
- unsteady
- fluid
- fluctuating
- inconstant
- temperamental
- unsettled
- changeful
- mercurial
- mutable
- open-ended
- flickery
10
as in sore
having or showing deep-seated resentment maintained hard feelings toward those who had cheated him Synonyms & Similar Words
- sore
- angry
- cynical
- mad
- bitter
- resentful
- embittered
- acrimonious
- acrid
- harsh
- rancorous
- rough
- sarcastic
- irritated
- cruel
- vicious
- contemptuous
- discontented
- disdainful
- disgruntled
- disaffected
- savage
- cutting
- misanthropic
- vehement
- scornful
- acid
- caustic
- virulent
- trenchant
- malcontent
- vitriolic
- mordant
- knock-down-and-drag-out
- knock-down, drag-out
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- warm
- sweet
- kind
- loving
- gentle
- sympathetic
- forgiving
- caring
- tender
- unbitter
- kindhearted
- warmhearted
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- stubborn
- adamant
- hardened
- steadfast
- uncompromising
- unrelenting
- inflexible
- unyielding
- unbending
- obstinate
- determined
- implacable
- intransigent
- obdurate
- obsessive
- hardheaded
- persistent
- immovable
- pat
- hard-nosed
- adamantine
- strict
- dogged
- relentless
- perverse
- wilful
- mulish
- pigheaded
- headstrong
- willful
- inconvincible
- bullheaded
- opinionated
- iron
- pertinacious
- tenacious
- rigid
- ossified
- inexorable
- severe
- wrongheaded
- unflinching
- resolved
- cantankerous
- defiant
- uncooperative
- deaf to reason
- unmanageable
- firm
- stern
- wayward
- stiff-necked
- contrary
- self-willed
- intractable
- invincible
- hell-bent
- demanding
- self-opinionated
- disobedient
- recalcitrant
- single-minded
- hard-line
- hard-shelled
- set
- hidebound
- unconquerable
- refractory
- unruly
- exacting
- indomitable
- bloody-minded
- stouthearted
- mutinous
- anal-retentive
- ungovernable
- froward
- confirmed
- hard-shell
- narrow-minded
- cussed
- contumacious
- insubordinate
- insurgent
- unregenerate
- inveterate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- flexible
- pliable
- willing
- agreeable
- amenable
- complying
- compliant
- pliant
- reasonable
- tractable
- docile
- obedient
- receptive
- yielding
- submissive
- acquiescent
- accepting
- responsive
- placable
- relenting
- manageable
- temperate
- persuadable
- slavish
- subservient
- governable
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- historical
- factual
- literal
- true
- documentary
- simple
- objective
- nonfictional
- real
- reliable
- authentic
- actual
- right
- documented
- genuine
- bona fide
- matter-of-fact
- established
- undeniable
- sustainable
- verifiable
- unquestionable
- irrefutable
- supportable
- plain
- indisputable
- demonstrable
- certain
- incontrovertible
- incontestable
- provable
- confirmable
- undoubted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- theoretical
- fictional
- speculative
- fictitious
- hypothetical
- unhistorical
- theoretic
- nonhistorical
- fictionalized
- fantastic
- invented
- nondocumentary
- pretend
- fabulous
- fanciful
- undocumented
- legendary
- apocryphal
- imaginary
- fantastical
- mythic
- nonfactual
- exaggerated
- mythical
- unauthentic
- chimerical
- imagined
- unsupportable
- chimeric
- embroidered
- made-up
- insupportable
- make-believe
hard
2 of 2adverb
1
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
- intensively
- intensely
- diligently
- intently
- vigorously
- purposefully
- actively
- continuously
- steadily
- thoroughly
- arduously
- hardly
- resolutely
- strenuously
- determinedly
- seriously
- doggedly
- vehemently
- mightily
- laboriously
- assiduously
- slavishly
- amain
- industriously
- willfully
- energetically
- exhaustively
- meticulously
- unrelentingly
- feverishly
- dynamically
- sedulously
- briskly
- steadfastly
- zealously
- unremittingly
- tirelessly
- conscientiously
- busily
- ardently
- spiritedly
- painstakingly
- stubbornly
- attentively
- earnestly
- animatedly
- indefatigably
- unflaggingly
- unabatedly
- untiringly
- obstinately
- ploddingly
- wearilessly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- casually
- lazily
- sluggishly
- halfheartedly
- wearily
- languidly
- tiredly
- desultorily
- shiftlessly
- listlessly
- indolently
- lackadaisically
- spiritlessly
2
as in bitterly
with feelings of bitterness or grief took the news of their grandfather's death hard Synonyms & Similar Words
- bitterly
- sadly
- painfully
- sorrowfully
- harshly
- sharply
- mournfully
- unhappily
- severely
- woefully
- agonizingly
- regretfully
- hardly
- wretchedly
- ruefully
- grievously
- wailfully
- sorely
- lugubriously
- dolefully
- resentfully
- dolorously
- inconsolably
- miserably
- plaintively
- distressfully
- dismally
- cheerlessly
- abjectly
- despairingly
- dispiritedly
- ill
- joylessly
- distressingly
- downheartedly
- cruelly
- acutely
- darkly
- dejectedly
- keenly
- drearily
- pessimistically
- low-spiritedly
- forlornly
- disconsolately
- poignantly
- somberly
- hurtfully
- glumly
- despondently
- sullenly
- morosely
- piercingly
- blackly
- dourly
- gloomily
- mirthlessly
- crestfallenly
- rancorously
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- happily
- gladly
- joyfully
- blissfully
- easily
- joyously
- cheerfully
- lightly
- gleefully
- well
- lightheartedly
- merrily
- casually
- delightedly
- calmly
- cheerily
- stoically
- gaily
- dispassionately
- blithely
- gayly
- indifferently
- mirthfully
- sunnily
- rejoicingly
- favorably
- unconcernedly
- nonchalantly
- impassively
- good-naturedly
- blithesomely
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- strongly
- vigorously
- forcibly
- firmly
- fiercely
- powerfully
- forcefully
- vehemently
- fast
- strenuously
- energetically
- eagerly
- sturdily
- mightily
- dynamically
- explosively
- violently
- stoutly
- roundly
- sharply
- like gangbusters
- muscularly
- surely
- steadily
- actively
- intensively
- stiffly
- intently
- aggressively
- with might and main
- with a vengeance
- robustly
- solidly
- rigidly
- lustily
- briskly
- determinedly
- smartly
- purposefully
- resolutely
- soundly
- crisply
- steadfastly
- roughshod
- emphatically
- squarely
- to beat the band
- spiritedly
- heartily
- decidedly
- manfully
- gamely
- vivaciously
- spunkily
- animatedly
- potently
- directly
- hammer and tongs
- fixedly
- assertively
- snappily
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- feebly
- gently
- weakly
- softly
- faintly
- delicately
- shakily
- lazily
- halfheartedly
- ineffectively
- frailly
- ineffectually
- languidly
- listlessly
- uncertainly
- impotently
- lamely
- bloodlessly
- spiritlessly
- spinelessly
- nervelessly
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- close
- near
- in
- nearby
- at hand
- around
- within call
- by
- nigh
- at close quarters
- along
- on one's doorstep
- conveniently
- hereabouts
- alongside
- handily
- hereaway
- thereabouts
- hereabout
- accessibly
- hereaways
- thereabout
5
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
- harshly
- severely
- oppressively
- brutally
- ill
- hardly
- aggressively
- roughly
- sternly
- strongly
- stiffly
- ruthlessly
- mercilessly
- firmly
- inhumanly
- pitilessly
- viciously
- unmercifully
- unsparingly
- abusively
- grimly
- savagely
- heartlessly
- toughly
- inhumanely
- obdurately
- brutishly
- determinedly
- insensitively
- hard-heartedly
- uncharitably
- callously
- resolutely
- unfeelingly
- tyrannically
- decidedly
- assertively
- insensately
- cold-bloodedly
- gruffly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lightly
- gently
- mildly
- softly
- leniently
- tenderly
- kindly
- lovingly
- graciously
- benevolently
- clemently
- cordially
- sympathetically
- considerately
- compassionately
- mercifully
- charitably
- humanely
- understandingly
- benignantly
- tolerantly
- softheartedly
Synonym Chooser
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 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
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