When describing a battle or contest that was fiercely contested, there are numerous synonyms for the phrase "hard fought". Terms such as "grueling", "challenging", "tough", "arduous", and "demanding" all convey a sense of the difficulty and effort involved in the struggle. Other synonyms could include "intense", "exhaustive", "strenuous", "ardent", and "strained". The use of any of these words could help evoke the emotions and spirit of the individuals involved in the battle, while also providing a more interesting and varied description for the reader. No matter which synonym is used, they all demonstrate the intense nature of the contest.