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
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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
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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
If the climate 165 miles above the Arctic Circle turned out to be colder than expected, visitors could hardly drop by a department store and pick up a sweater.
—
Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
After two consecutive years of 20%+ returns for the S & P, a correction is hardly unexpected.
—Michael K. Farr, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
Settlement talks have been held in recent weeks, which unsettled a number of people inside and outside the company, but such a path is hardly unusual in the current environment.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
This is hardly a traditional approach to true crime.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
After two consecutive years of 20%+ returns for the S & P, a correction is hardly unexpected.
—Michael K. Farr, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
Settlement talks have been held in recent weeks, which unsettled a number of people inside and outside the company, but such a path is hardly unusual in the current environment.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
This is hardly a traditional approach to true crime.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hardly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardly
Adverb
-
At nearly $100 off, the Essential Curve Shoulder Bag is the perfect addition to your spring packing list, no matter the destination, and its casual bohemian style will instantly make any outfit appear relaxed and vacation-ready.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Trump will declare victory no matter what, of course.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Hailey Bieber just broke her streak of wearing ultra-subtle, barely there manis with a very out-of-character color choice.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Zandi believes the nation ultimately will sidestep a downturn because Trump administration officials will grant countries enough exemptions and carve-outs or negotiate down the tariffs to keep the economy afloat – barely.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Molly wasn’t sure, so sadly, that was the end of their reunion.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Carly Cushnie co-founded Cushnie et Ochs, and her sleek, feminine designs took over red carpets and editorials before the brand sadly shut down in 2020.—
Kedean Smith,
Essence,
3 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The club’s board have not signed any defenders — when Ancelotti and his staff have expressed their desire for reinforcements in the last three transfer windows — and injuries have bitten hard in that position.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
However, her cries and please only led to Tate hitting her harder.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Even as Jesus is shown nailed to the cross, the points of incision on his palms are blurred and blood never enters the frame.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Your Outie would never pay full price for streaming, and Apple TV Plus knows this!—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
10 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Furnishing a space requires more consideration than just how something looks — especially for living rooms where a lot of time is spent.—
Megan Schaltegger,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.27% from 4.15% late Monday and from just 4.01% late Friday.—
Time,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Lindsay is watching this offseason intently, knowing how important solidifying the running back spot is to the Broncos taking the next step.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Leaders need to take time to intently listen when a direct report raises a concert.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardly. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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