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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.

But Carlson is hardly the only American with buyer’s remorse.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Avis’s ascent certainly complicates the outlook for the Dow transports, but it is hardly the only component trending higher.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Nowadays, the group can hardly exert control of areas within Yemen itself, and again, the intelligence community in 2025 and 2026 can only ascribe “intent” to the group and not actual attacks.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

It was, though, hardly a vote of confidence to exclude £64m summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, the striker meant to make the difference, for Arsenal's biggest game of the season so far.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Broken in half, it hardly smoothed her hair at all.

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

Vocabulary lists containing hardly

"The Giving Tree"

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