The antonyms of "presses hard on" can be multiple depending on the context of usage. The term "releases" can be used to indicate the opposite of pressing hard on, as in the case of a pressure cooker that releases steam instead of building pressure. Similarly, the term "relaxes" can indicate the opposite of pressing hard on, as in the case of a person who relaxes their grip instead of holding on tight. Other antonyms for "presses hard on" in different scenarios can be "retracts," "loosens," "frees," "weakens," "lightens," "eases," "releases," "decompresses," or "unburdens.