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
He’s respected as a hard-nosed runner, but also have decent hands (136 receptions for 1,012 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
In addition to Jacob Furphy, a 6-foot-6 hard-nosed wing from Australia.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2025
Third round, No. 100: LB Barrett Carter, Clemson Carter is the type of fast, hard-nosed player the 49ers need at weakside linebacker.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
The toughness of Richmond and Scott, both of whom transferred to St. John’s before the season, helped create the Red Storm’s hard-nosed, defense-first identity.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
In addition to Jacob Furphy, a 6-foot-6 hard-nosed wing from Australia.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2025
Third round, No. 100: LB Barrett Carter, Clemson Carter is the type of fast, hard-nosed player the 49ers need at weakside linebacker.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
The toughness of Richmond and Scott, both of whom transferred to St. John’s before the season, helped create the Red Storm’s hard-nosed, defense-first identity.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
-
Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.—
Joanne Fowler,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While industries evolve and AI transforms work, a company’s commitment to its weekly all-hands meeting or quarterly offsite can remain steadfast.—
Susanne Biro,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Trump’s comments echo those made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who on Sunday said the administration will remain steadfast in its plans for reciprocal tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, even in the face of the global stock market sell-off.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share