The antonyms for the phrase "pressed hard on" are words that describe the opposite action or state. Some possible antonyms that come to mind are "released lightly from," "relaxed off of," "lightened the pressure on," "eased up on," "loosened the grip on," and "unclenched the hold on." These antonyms convey a sense of release, letting go, or decreasing pressure, rather than exerting or maintaining force. In a figurative sense, antonyms for "pressed hard on" could include words such as "freed from," "disengaged from," "let go of," "released from," or "disentangled," which suggest a removal of constraints or burdens.