HARDNESS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

hardness

noun

ˈhärd-nəs

Definition of hardness

as in hardship

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal the test questions were rated for hardness, a rating of five indicating the most difficult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in severity

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism) the aunt's hardness gradually crumbled under the influence of the little orphan's endearing ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hardness Load size, water hardness, soil level and machine type all affect how much detergent your laundry actually needs per load. — Ryan Brennan may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Grade 5 titanium is notoriously difficult to work with, its hardness rapidly degrading cutting tools and leaving little margin for error. — Richard Mille Contributor, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Going into the study, the team hypothesized that pincers built for generating high crushing force would contain the highest levels of metal to provide maximum hardness, while enrichment in the weaker, slender pincers would be lower. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026 An unexpected discovery Diamond is valued in advanced technology because of its exceptional hardness, optical properties, and thermal conductivity (Tc). — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hardness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardness

Noun

My history has been shaped by hardship, self-discovery and a relentless pursuit of purpose.

— Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
So as opposed to, say, inspiring American leaders of all kinds, like a real explanation of the character of Harriet Tubman or of Chief Joseph or Americans struggled against real hardships.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of hardship

Noun

Emergency drain cleaning runs $400 to $1,000 or more, depending on severity.

— Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026
While most wildfires in the past burned slowly across the forest floor, providing benefits to the forest, high-severity fires roar into the tops of the trees, burning 1,000 degrees or hotter, with flames that can reach 200 feet tall.

— Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Definition of severity

Browse Nearby Words

hardly

hardness

hardnose

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Style

“Hardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hardness

noun

Example Sentences

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