hard
19 synonyms and 7 antonyms for hard, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Solid and firm; not easily broken, cut, or dented.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hard
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English heard, from a very old Germanic and Indo-European root meaning "strong" or "powerful" — the same root behind the Greek word for "strength."
Full origin of hard →Frequently asked questions
What does “hard” mean?
The word “hard” means solid and firm; not easily broken, cut, or dented. In plain terms, firm and solid, or, more often, difficult and demanding effort.
How do you pronounce “hard”?
“Hard” is pronounced hahd (/hɑɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “hard” in a sentence?
Here is “hard” used in a sentence: “Diamonds are famously the hardest naturally occurring material.”
What is another word for “hard”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hard” include adamantine, concrete, granitic, firm, grim and inflexible.
What is the opposite of “hard”?
The opposite of “hard” — its antonyms — are cushiony, flexible, soft, moldable and spongy.
What part of speech is “hard”?
Depending on how it is used, “hard” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “hard” come from?
The word “hard” comes from Old English. From Old English heard, from a very old Germanic and Indo-European root meaning "strong" or "powerful" — the same root behind the Greek word for "strength.".
Is “hard” a common word?
“Hard” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'hard' and 'hardly'?
Though they look related, their meanings diverge. 'Hard' means firm or difficult, and also works as an adverb meaning with effort: 'work hard.' 'Hardly' means barely or almost not: 'I could hardly hear.' Saying 'I worked hardly' is a mistake, because it wrongly means you barely worked.
What is the opposite of 'hard'?
For the firmness sense in this definition, the opposite is 'soft', easily pressed, bent, or dented. When 'hard' instead means difficult, its opposite is 'easy.' Because the word carries both meanings, the right antonym depends on whether you are describing texture or difficulty.
Does 'hard' also mean difficult?
Yes. Besides describing something solid and firm, 'hard' very commonly means difficult or demanding: 'a hard exam,' 'a hard day.' It can also mean forceful, as in 'a hard push,' or harsh, as in 'hard words.' Context shows whether physical firmness or difficulty is meant.