as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hard-line
Israel’s hard-line government, dominated by settler leaders and supporters, has overseen a surge in settlement construction over the last four years.
—
Sam McNeil,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
The war has left Iranians under the boot of a regime that is bolder, more hard-line, and more repressive than before.
—
Holly Dagres,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
What appears clear is that the tour is likely to implement a hard-line two-track system with aggressive promotion and relegation protocols.
—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
The Serbian president has faced international scrutiny for his hard-line tactics against the demonstrators in the past year, including arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force.
—
CBS News,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Sam McNeil,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
The war has left Iranians under the boot of a regime that is bolder, more hard-line, and more repressive than before.
—
Holly Dagres,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
What appears clear is that the tour is likely to implement a hard-line two-track system with aggressive promotion and relegation protocols.
—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
The Serbian president has faced international scrutiny for his hard-line tactics against the demonstrators in the past year, including arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force.
—
CBS News,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line
Adjective
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Without stricter coordination, brightness limits, debris controls, disposal rules, and international capacity planning, the next space race could damage the orbital lanes on which modern life now depends.
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Not a whole lot, admittedly, since there was reportedly a strict no-phone policy for guests (as well as event staff and security).
Adjective
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Every cybersecurity article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.
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This improves both customer and agent experience, while still meeting rigorous business standards around accuracy, reliability, and risk management.
Cite this Entry
“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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