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 sources for the training of gladiators,” he writes, “could hardly be more oblique.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 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

While his backing was hardly unequivocal, this week Hopkinson stressed Newcastle were currently "not having those conversations" about a change of manager.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“Tear bag,” I said, but I could hardly get the words out.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

hardly

Example Sentences

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