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Definitions

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.

Rubino is hardly alone in rethinking her Easter spending.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

And 20% support — which is roughly what the top candidate receives in surveys — is hardly a number to strike fear in the heart of rivals.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

There is hardly anything that is more sensitive and protected.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

"Of course, in reality there is hardly any loading happening at the moment," he noted.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

His mouth was so dry that he could hardly speak.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.