HARD-NOSED Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

hard-nosed

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈnōzd

Definition of hard-nosed

as in adamant

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

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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-nosed In addition to his hard-nosed approach, Zahnd developed a reputation as a prosecutor with a keen sense of moral clarity. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026 Setting the pace is key against the Valkyries, a team known for its hard-nosed defensive mentality. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Of course, Babcock was arguably Hyman’s biggest advocate in Toronto, rewarding his relentless, hard-nosed play with a prominent role. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Jake Tweten, Westlake, safety, senior A hard-nosed football player all the way around. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed

Adjective

Seems unlikely that Kiffin would be adamant that the Big Ten's nine-game conference schedule is dragging down their results.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
And Ballmer and the Clippers remain adamant the penalties—and the allegations of misconduct—are incorrect.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of adamant

Adjective

An honor that seems to bring things full circle for that stubborn little girl who dreamed of performing on stages around the world from her farm.

— Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
How To Remove Leaf Stains With Chlorine Bleach Bleach is very effective at removing stubborn leaf stains, along with mildew and moss.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is a man of few words — and initially, few feelings, or so thinks Marianne — the steadfast Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum).

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
The poem continues with more verses about Burns’s steadfast love, but beyond that, nothing really happens.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

O’Brien’s Ted Keegan is a father, farmer and military veteran — a hardened man who’s spent much of his life following orders and keeping secrets.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
And yet, for a millennia after the fall of Rome, the world largely forgot about concrete, until, in the 18th century, an English mason found that mixing limestone and clay could form a paste that hardened underwater.

— Sara Herschander, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of hardened

Browse Nearby Words

hardnose

hard-nosed

hardnoses

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“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-nosed

adjective

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