hardball

noun

hard·​ball ˈhärd-ˌbȯl How to pronounce hardball (audio)
1
2
: forceful uncompromising methods employed to gain an end
played political hardball

Examples of hardball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Now, with the LLCs owning at least half of the units but lacking the 80% threshold required under state law to terminate the condo association and control the property, holdout owners are playing hardball. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 The bans are the latest example of Indonesia playing hardball as new President Prabowo Subianto seeks to pressure international firms to boost local manufacturing, which would be a boon for domestic industries. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Asia, 17 Apr. 2024 Playing hardball in negotiations doesn't mean the club doesn't want to retain the Polar Bear, though. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Agents for some of these players recently vented to the Herald that Wolf's front office has been playing hardball, more evidence of working the count as Belichick often did. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 12 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hardball 

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardball was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near hardball

Cite this Entry

“Hardball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardball. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

hardball

noun
hard·​ball -ˌbȯl How to pronounce hardball (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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