Another Word for Hard: 17 Synonyms with Examples
“Hard” can mean firm to the touch, difficult, or done with great effort. The right synonym depends on which sense you need.
As an adjective: firm and solid
- firm
- solid
- rigid
- stiff
- tough
- dense
- unyielding
As an adjective: difficult
- difficult
- challenging
- tough
- demanding
- arduous
- gruelling
As an adverb: with great effort
- diligently
- energetically
- strenuously
- vigorously
- intensively
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- firm
- Solid but with a little give; also used of decisions.
- rigid
- Does not bend at all; also used of rules or people.
- gruelling
- Extremely tiring over a long time.
- diligently
- Working carefully and steadily.
- strenuously
- With a lot of physical or verbal effort: strenuously denied.
Example sentences
- firm: Choose a mattress that is firm but comfortable.
- rigid: The case has a rigid plastic shell.
- gruelling: After a gruelling week, we finally finished the report.
- diligently: She worked diligently through the night.
- strenuously: The company strenuously denies the claims.
Opposite of hard
- soft
- easy
- gentle
- lazily
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “hard”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: knockout, severe
adverb: firmly, severely
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “hard”?
The most useful alternatives are “firm”, “solid”, “rigid”, “stiff”, “tough”. For the main sense (firm and solid), “firm” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “firm” and “rigid”?
firm: Solid but with a little give; also used of decisions. rigid: Does not bend at all; also used of rules or people.
What is the opposite of “hard”?
Common antonyms are “soft”, “easy”, “gentle”, “lazily”.