hard-nosed

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈnōzd How to pronounce hard-nosed (audio)
Synonyms of hard-nosednext
1
: being tough, stubborn, or uncompromising
a hard-nosed boss
2
: hardheaded sense 2, tough-minded

Synonyms of hard-nosed

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Examples of hard-nosed in a Sentence

the team's hard-nosed coach doesn't make exceptions for anybody
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.
Known as a hard-nosed and aggressive operator, Williamson worked for former Govs. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 Even after many of its top officials were killed in the war, Iran has maintained a hard-nosed corps of diplomats who have long been involved in foreign policy. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026 The war in Iran has brought the goals of climate activists and hard-nosed security officials closer together. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 The latest spinoff in the long-running franchise brought Christopher Meloni's hard-nosed detective back into the fold. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard-nosed was in 1917

Rhymes for hard-nosed

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Browse Nearby Words

hardnose
hard-nosed
hardock
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Cite this Entry

“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-nosed. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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