1
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a hardheaded politician who never hesitated to set aside principle in favor of expediency
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
Granny remained hardheaded about keeping her house and not moving into a nursing home
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pragmatic
willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly
a hardheaded minister who understands the difficulties teenagers face today
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardheaded
Kayce sells Yellowstone Ranch for $1.25 an acre and Elsa Dutton rises from the dead to declare victory
Kayce cryptically suggested the Yellowstone sale at the end of last week's episode, and the hardheaded financial wonder Beth loved the idea.
—
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024
Over his lifetime, Aron was a hardheaded defender of liberal values in the face of fascist and totalitarian ideological challengers.
—Raymond Aron, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024
Over his lifetime, Aron was a hardheaded defender of liberal values in the face of fascist and totalitarian ideological challengers.
—Raymond Aron, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheaded
Adjective
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With the longer battery life, lighter design and smart safety features, this jetpack is definitely for anyone looking to make their underwater adventures more exciting.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
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Moreover, waving the flag of a foreign country isn’t prideful, or politically smart in the least.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Their relationship can be difficult as AM is stubborn and likes to have her way always.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Rick McConnell said that this sounds like his mom, who is stubborn.—
Bella Waters,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Nonetheless, my emphasis here isn't on the long-term prospects of AGI but instead on the pragmatic impacts of agentic AI.—
Sandeep Shivam,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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But local officials are banking on the 1-cent sales tax – a political strategy, not a pragmatic one, Winston said.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Meteorologist Adam Krueger has become known as Weather Adam for his shrewd ability to incorporate song lyrics into his energetic weather reports.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
6 June 2025
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Earlier this spring, Johnson talked openly about pushing Swift to combine his sharp vision with shrewd discipline.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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But Rawan is adamant that solving this will need more than just high-tech products.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Furious, Julian is adamant that Gabby wasn’t on the boat with Finn and Toby.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The 51-year-old is widely considered one of the most astute tacticians in the Premier League and has been the figurehead of one of the smartest, shrewdest clubs anywhere in European soccer for the last seven years.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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It should be noted that Bouchard was an astute draft selection by Chiarelli and his scouts in 2018.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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But many scientists and engineers believe nuclear propulsion offers the only realistic path for a sustainable campaign ferrying people between the Earth and Mars.—
Stephen Clark – Jun 3,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2025
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The Catalan filmmaker was able to provide a realistic depiction of her situation by choosing to emphasize the actual process of coping with the trauma, a process which can’t be rushed.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Here are a few practical tips: When trying to use your phone, text – don't call.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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The gun industry also disputed Mexico’s argument that manufacturers deliberately produce military-style assault rifles and other weapons that, for both practical and aesthetic reasons, appeal to mobsters.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheaded. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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