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.

The beginnings of British settlement in North America are hardly untrodden territory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The software apocalypse story is hardly the only source of uncertainty about Oracle’s future.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

The contrast between the Mercedes drivers - and supposed title rivals - after the Monaco Grand Prix could hardly have been more stark.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

But these lingering queries are hardly the film’s worst feature.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

His mouth was so dry that he could hardly speak.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Vocabulary lists containing hardly

"The Giving Tree"

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hardly

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing hardly

"The Giving Tree"