hardly

[hahrd-lee] / ˈhɑrd li /

ADVERB

scarcely; with difficulty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barely comparatively practically rarely seldom simply somewhat

STRONG

just

WEAK

almost inconceivably almost not by a hair by no means detectably faintly gradually imperceptibly infrequently little no more than no way not a bit not at all not by much not likely not markedly not measurably not much not notably not noticeably not often not quite once in a blue moon only only just perceptibly pretty near scantly slightly sparsely sporadically with trouble

Antonyms

STRONGEST

frequently

WEAK

very

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The sources for the training of gladiators,” he writes, “could hardly be more oblique.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Rubino is hardly alone in rethinking her Easter spending.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

“A View From the Bridge,” a play whose revenge plot hinges on a tip to immigration authorities, could hardly be more timely.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

While his backing was hardly unequivocal, this week Hopkinson stressed Newcastle were currently "not having those conversations" about a change of manager.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Clare apologized, though he could hardly see what fun they were interrupting.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

hardly

Example Sentences

Related Words