HARD-LINE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

hard-line

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈlīn

Definition of hard-line

as in strict

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders

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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.

Recent Examples of hard-line Infighting among Iranian government officials escalated this week with the jailing of a prominent hard-line lawmaker who is a vocal opponent of a diplomatic deal with the United States to end the war. — Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 The settlers, encouraged by Israel’s hard-line government, have stepped up efforts to seize springs and other heritage sites. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 As Pezeshkian and Araghchi delivered Iran’s demands to the world and a message of coexistence to the region, security officials back home announced a more hard-line position in Iran’s negotiating tactics. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026 Motherland, a hard-line nationalist party, has repeatedly changed its structure and leadership since its start in the early 2000s. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-line

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line

Adjective

Catholics have used Scripture to argue for and against deportations and strict immigration enforcement.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
But the country also has strict rules governing how minors should be treated during a criminal investigation.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

Like SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, many founders in tech have moonshot performance pay packages, in which rigorous stock price growth is tied to massive pay hurdles.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Every travel story is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel products.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

hardiness

hard-line

hard-luck

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“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-line

adjective

Example Sentences

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