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 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

It’s hardly a coincidence that his memorial service felt like an old-fashioned American revival.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Choi becoming persona non grata for pot hardly seemed fair in light of that horrifying revelation.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

The working-age population is hardly growing, so that’s enough new jobs to keep the unemployment rate low and satisfy the private sector’s demand for labor.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

“You’ve been tearing down that road, hardly looking back. You know you’ve hurt us. Hurt me. Abandoned me. And it always seemed like you were fine with it.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing hardly

"The Giving Tree"

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hardly

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing hardly

"The Giving Tree"