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
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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.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is running for reelection as an unpopular incumbent, fashions himself a champion for working people and has been, to put it mildly, less than a hard-nosed negotiator with unions. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Lonergan was replaced by Surace, who tossed for 64 yards but was sacked three times by Northwestern’s hard-nosed defense. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Stephen Winn, a hard-nosed Texan with a taste for big data, founded RealPage in 1998. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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