HARDNESS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

hardness

noun

ˈhärd-nəs

Definition of hardness

as in hardship

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal the test questions were rated for hardness, a rating of five indicating the most difficult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in severity

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism) the aunt's hardness gradually crumbled under the influence of the little orphan's endearing ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hardness Both can chew up and maintain most ground types and hardnesses, but an electric tiller can have enough power to process new ground, which is usually too hard for a cultivator to process. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2026 The everyday blade and mini blade use M390 steel, selected for its hardness and edge retention. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 To lead a child to a gas chamber demands a hardness of heart that must be cultivated. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026 The one currently taking shape in his workshop is among the difficult ones, Goh said, because of the hardness of the wood. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hardness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardness

Noun

But they were seen as adding undue hardships to people who rely heavily on the care.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
In doing so, the report adds new data to a growing pile of information about poverty and economic hardship in the state, showing that even before some of the upcoming federal benefit cuts take effect, a growing number of households are struggling.

— P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of hardship

Noun

The severity of reactions can vary widely, ranging from mild symptoms to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026
Kidney Disease Can Disrupt the Balance Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can disrupt the balance of magnesium in the blood, depending on the severity.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of severity

Noun

Systems fail; unanticipated difficulties occur; things break or rot.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Even if consumers have difficulty discerning chemicals in flossing products, the environmental scientist encourages people not to stop flossing.

— Margaret Hetherman The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficulty

Browse Nearby Words

hardly

hardness

hardnose

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardness. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hardness

noun

Example Sentences

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