Hard Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms & Examples

Two words are synonyms when they have related or the same meanings. Knowing the synonyms of words will help you craft a better piece. Synonyms provide readers with a better understanding of a concept. What’s a synonym for hard? In this guide, you’ll find a list of hard’s synonyms, antonyms, and examples.

The Definition of Hard

‘Hard’ functions as an adjective and adverb depending on the context. The term originates from Proto-West Germanic *hard(ī).

Hard as an adjective.

The term ‘hard’ describes something that is not easily penetrated or yielding to pressure, something difficult to accomplish or resolve. When something presents as difficult, has a severe property, is solid, or firm, it is termed ‘hard.’

• The chair is uncomfortable and hard.
• These are hard days for my family and I; I hope we pull through.
• Michael said some hard and mean words to me.
• My father is a hard worker; I want to be like him in the future.
• The test question was incredibly hard; I couldn’t answer it.
• Hard detergents are difficult to wash with.
• This surface is hard; I’ve been clearing it for hours.
• You can never appreciate good times enough if you’ve not gone through hard ones.

Hard as an adverb

Hard describes an action done with tremendous or utmost effort. It also means something done violently, or in such a manner as to cause hardship, difficulty, or pain.

• I’ll work hard this Semester to get good grades.
• At the American Football competition, Damien hit hard at the ball that he hurt his foot.
• My uncle has been drinking hard lately.
• The principal stared hard at me as if trying to force the truth out.
• If you think hard, you’ll probably find a way to solve the problem.
• Terry laughed so hard that he began to cry.
• I couldn’t be involved in the meeting because it was snowing hard at that moment.

Synonym for Hard — Exploring words with Similar Meanings

Synonyms for ‘hard’ include laborious, rigorous, solid, resistant, stiff, and dense. Other terms related to hard are: firm, strong, unbreakable, inflexible, demanding, compact, unyielding, hardened, and impenetrable.

1. Tough

The term originates from Old English tōh (“tenacious, holding fast together”), and from Proto-West Germanic *tą̄h(ī). Tough means “strong and resilient; a challenge.”

• Sarah is a tough woman; I’m sure she’ll scale through this.
• The project is too tough and will take my time.

2. Arduous

The term is from Latin arduus (“lofty, high, steep, laborious”), akin to Irish ard (“high”). It means “difficult and exhausting.” The term describes something needing or using up much energy.

• Climbing the tree was an arduous task.
• My boss gave me the arduous task of interviewing candidates for the new position the company created.

3. Laborious

Laborious originates from Old French laborios, and Latin laboriosus. Laborious means “mentally difficult or painstaking.” The term describes something that requires much physical ability; something heavy.

• Exercise may seem laborious when you begin, but you’ll master it with time.
• It was laborious surveying the project.

4. Rigorous

Rigorous is from Late Latin rigorosus. Rigorous means thorough, severe, intense, scrupulously accurate, or strict.

• What’s the need for your rigorous workouts when you’ll still eat so much food?
• Counting the votes after elections is a rigorous process.

5. Solid

Solid originates from Old French solide, and Latin solidus (“solid”). Solid means firm and stable.

• Please give me a solid reason why you want to quit your job.
• There’s solid evidence against the criminal; he’ll get a sentence.

Antonyms for Hard — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

1. Easy

Easy originates from Middle English esy, eesy. Easy describes something requiring little skill or effort.

• Your job is easy; simply clean the rooms and prepare dinner.
• Starting a business isn’t an easy task.

2. Softly

Softly originates from Middle English softely, softeliche, equivalent to soft +‎ -ly. Softly describes something done gently.

• Please close the door softly.
• Michelle was humming softly to herself.

3. Mild

Mild originates from Proto-Germanic *mildijaz. Mild describes something of moderate severity; gently and not seriously intended.

• Mr. David is a mild and quiet man.
• I love today’s mild weather.

To Wrap Up

The whole point of learning synonyms is to improve your vocabulary and have a range of words you can use interchangeably in writing.

‘Hard’ describes something difficult or requiring effort or force. A synonym for hard is ‘tough.’ Other great synonyms for the term are: labor, rigorous, and solid. Words opposite in meaning to the term include simple, easy, soft and mild. You can look for other alternatives for the word in a dictionary or thesaurus.