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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hard-nosed
The hard-nosed bottom six forward, who came to the Wild at the trade deadline after serving as the Chicago Blackhawks’ captain for the past two seasons, scored two of Minnesota’s three goals in the first period of what eventually became an overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
17 May 2026
Known as a hard-nosed and aggressive operator, Williamson worked for former Govs.
—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
And Shamet repaid that trust with 15 points on five-of-six shooting from the field plus hard-nosed defense in 26 minutes of play in the Knicks’ Game 3 victory.
—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
That identity – a hard-nosed, gritty style of basketball – was on display in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.
—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
17 May 2026
Known as a hard-nosed and aggressive operator, Williamson worked for former Govs.
—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
And Shamet repaid that trust with 15 points on five-of-six shooting from the field plus hard-nosed defense in 26 minutes of play in the Knicks’ Game 3 victory.
—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
That identity – a hard-nosed, gritty style of basketball – was on display in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.
—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
-
The weather service’s forecast discussion for Kansas City said the stubborn heat could last through the Fourth of July.
-
Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent.
Adjective
-
While waiting to go to court, Zaayer remained adamant that Shawna needed to go to prison but was also convinced that David — who worked at the nearby jail — was protecting his wife from receiving an adequate punishment, per The Guardian.
-
But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has been adamant that there are not enough votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, given the 60-vote filibuster threshold.
Adjective
-
To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.
-
Each project generated steadfast opposition from the city's neighborhoods, calling into question how the city should regulate the advanced technology centers.
Adjective
-
Follow these steps to get rid of hardened residue, odors, and germs, and learn how to make outdoor trash cans a little less yucky.
-
Hauser played hardened ranch foreman Rip Wheeler on the Paramount Network series that ran from 2018 to 2024.
Cite this Entry
“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
