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.

Young families have always flocked to Hartford’s suburbs for more land and good schools, but competing for a house was hardly the norm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Despite the new taxes, US imports ended up increasing more than 4% last year - more slowly than in 2024 but hardly evidence of a plunge into isolationism.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

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

It was hardly what was happening to me, but the story still dug a little too close to the bone.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

hardly

Example Sentences

Related Words