Hard
Hard adjective - Having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings.
Usage example: a hard man, who never had a kind word for anyone
Stern is a synonym for hard in harsh topic. In some cases you can use "Stern" instead the word "Hard" as an adjective or a noun, when it comes to topics like austere, cruel, strict, easy. popular alternative
Stern
Stern adjective - Given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint.
Usage example: the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Hard is a synonym for stern in characteristic topic. You can use "Hard" instead an adjective "Stern", if it concerns topics such as harsh, severe, serious, strict. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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It's actually Van Meter who is the stern and hard nose one with Troy being the more laid back and easy going of the two.
Source: Film / Three Kings - Gwendal is very protective of Wolfram, and at times Conrad, though it is hard to see at first due to his stern nature.
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Until his father gave him a stern talking to, involving hard-working farmers and such...
Source: Picky Eater
Cite this Source
Stern and Hard. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/hard/stern
Hard & Stern. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/hard/stern>.
Stern or Hard. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/hard/stern.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "hard" and "stern" have occurred on timeline