HARDHEADED Synonyms: 280 Similar and Opposite Words

hardheaded

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈhe-dəd

Definition of hardheaded

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 hardheaded In the complicated, thorny, offensive, manipulative, sometimes hilarious, sometimes uncomfortable video interview, which evokes the feeling of an uncle sitting down with his hardheaded nephew, Thug is reeling and full of so much anxiety that his legs are shaking. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 Sep. 2025 Flash mobs in the Loop are a real problem demanding hardheaded solutions. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 British officials know this and sometimes despair that their country has not found a way to be more hardheaded. — Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 As Iran’s willingness to engage with the United States over its nuclear program showed, it is driven by hardheaded calculations of national interest, not a desire to spread its Islamic Revolution abroad. — Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018 See All Example Sentences for hardheaded

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheaded

Adjective

But in recent years the American male seems to have fully embraced white (and off-white) denim, recognizing its versatility as a slightly smarter alternative to the blue jean, and a more casual substitute for chinos.

— Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
Another key segment is military and defense uniforms that feature smart camouflage, heat regulation and real-time vital monitoring for soldiers in rugged environments.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026

Definition of smart

Adjective

Backed by water tankers and a helicopter, firefighters on Sunday fought to contain a stubborn wildfire in Northern California that prompted officials to order evacuations.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Individual quality and a moment of magic can often be the key to unlock a stubborn defence, and Vinicius Jr has frequently been the difference for Madrid.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

The more pragmatic camp argues that maintaining unity during the war requires addressing the public's unhappiness over the economy as well as political and social repression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Coming from someone responsible for one of the most consequential software projects on Earth, that feels like a fairly pragmatic assessment, not just hype.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of pragmatic

Adjective

Circus Circus manages to turn a monthly profit of between $50,000 to $80,000 in the summer season through shrewd tactics, including using unordered prime rib from the hotel’s steakhouse in a buffet stew, the Journal revealed.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026
Project 2025, produced by the Heritage Foundation, was more shrewd.

— Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Definition of shrewd

Adjective

Dart completed a checkdown to running back Devin Singletary for short gain after a false start, although Carter was adamant he should have been credited with a sack after beating Thomas.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 30 July 2026
That’s because Warsh has been adamant about not wanting to broadcast his views on where interest rates should.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 29 July 2026

Definition of adamant

Adjective

Be sure to give the full picture of everything on your plate, along with realistic estimates of how long projects will take.

— Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Underwriting deals at realistic pricing and verifying insurability before acquisition were among the recommendations cited in the report for investors operating in markets with elevated carrying costs.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Definition of realistic

Adjective

Both thrived on the back of excellent recruitment and astute coaching, but now comes the challenge of backing it up.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
As an astute student of soul, Jasmine Rose Wilson has identified a common thread tying together all the different permutations of the music.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026

Definition of astute

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“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheaded. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hardheaded

adjective

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