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Dictionary.com

hard by

ADJECTIVE
close
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjacent convenient
STRONG
abutting adjoining approaching handy impending nearest neighboring nigh warm
WEAK
across the street around the corner at hand contiguous give or take a little immediate imminent in spitting distance in the ball park near-at-hand nearly next proximate under one's nose
Antonyms
STRONGEST
distant far
STRONG
remote
WEAK
away far-off faraway
ADJECTIVE
next
Synonyms
STRONGEST
later
WEAK
abutting adjacent adjoining after alongside attached back-to-back beside close closest coming consequent coterminous ensuing following meeting nearest neighboring on the side proximate side-by-side subsequent succeeding touching
Antonyms
WEAK
earlier preceding previous

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 Philippines has been hit hard by the war-driven surge in energy costs, and inflation there is rising faster than expected.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The smartphone market has been hit hard by the rising cost of memory components, which has led to falling shipments of some models.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Then the pandemic hit, and she got reassigned to working with long-term-care facilities, which were hit hard by Covid-19.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

The Bafta Games Awards are considered to be one of the more prestigious events in an industry hit hard by layoffs in recent years.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

I saw Eduardo dive toward John Kwang and grab him hard by the shoulders.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee