as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the team's hard-nosed coach doesn't make exceptions for anybody
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Recent Examples of hard-nosed
New Wolverines head coach Kyle Wittingham brings a hard-nosed approach from Utah and will look to stabilize the traditional power after the scandalous exit of Sheronne Moore.
—
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 20 Jan. 2026
The men sit across virtual desks from virtual interviewers who are both easygoing and hard-nosed to give them the tools for finding employment once they are released.
—Haven Daley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
With an absence of DNA evidence, Vronsky credited two Fair Lawn police investigators for their hard-nosed, old-fashioned work on the case — Sgt.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Coogan’s improbable honor was a beautiful bit of symbolism that recognized the manner in which these hard-nosed Hoosiers physically manhandled the Crimson Tide to reach the College Football Playoff semifinals with their 38-3 victory Thursday.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 20 Jan. 2026
The men sit across virtual desks from virtual interviewers who are both easygoing and hard-nosed to give them the tools for finding employment once they are released.
—Haven Daley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
With an absence of DNA evidence, Vronsky credited two Fair Lawn police investigators for their hard-nosed, old-fashioned work on the case — Sgt.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Coogan’s improbable honor was a beautiful bit of symbolism that recognized the manner in which these hard-nosed Hoosiers physically manhandled the Crimson Tide to reach the College Football Playoff semifinals with their 38-3 victory Thursday.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
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If that doesn’t solve the problem, try scrubbing stubborn spots with Bar Keeper’s Friend and a nonabrasive sponge.—
Jessica Elliott,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Rusk recommends using wash and styling products that don’t contain silicones (like dimethicone), which can cause a stubborn coating to accumulate that clogs follicles on the scalp and prevents the hair from absorbing moisturizing ingredients.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Norma Padgett Upshaw, who remained adamant that the four men were the ones involved in her assault, died in 2024.—
News Service Of Florida,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
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Suleyman’s vision for Microsoft Suleyman is adamant about the technology’s potential.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fennell teases out the tricky evolution of the characters’ deep bond, from steadfast sibling affection toward a combative, quasi-incestuous desire.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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The band remained steadfast in the commitment despite many other acts bowing out.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This puts it safely within the light cruise missile-grade of loitering munitions, suggesting it is probably intended for use against hardened or high-value targets.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 2026
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Fabric layers mesh and bond; glass pellets, mother-of-pearl beads, and cables get nestled into crevices, trapped under hardened strata of varnish.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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