hell-bent (on or upon)

adjective

ˈhel-ˌbent How to pronounce hell-bent (on or upon) (audio)
Definition of hell-bent (on or upon)next
as in determined
fully committed to achieving a goal she's hell-bent on a career in show business and heaven help anyone who gets in her way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hell-bent (on or upon)
  1. determined
  2. intent
  3. resolute
  4. decisive
  5. positive
Adjective
  • The overwhelming problem of plastic From flax that can be used in clothing and cars to robotic skimmers to stricter laws, determined researchers, activists and volunteers fight an industry intent on making more plastic.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • That witness said Foss left a cellphone behind after their interaction, which was later determined to have belonged to Lussier.
    — Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • French authorities are intent on preventing a repeat of recent violent unrest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Conrad had no way of knowing that Hemingway was intent on avoiding him.
    — Stephen Bates, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of intent
Adjective
  • And after October 7, opposition to the notion has become far more resolute.
    — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Almost instantly, though, the resolute Mahomes was seizing the days to make his way back.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of resolute
Adjective
  • Brandon McElroy, who founded the nonprofit Green Air Solutions to lead the fight against J7, said in an interview that the denial was a decisive win.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Despite Paolo Banchero’s 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds against the Hawks, the Magic had 20 turnovers and shot 1-of-12 from 3-point range in the decisive fourth quarter.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of decisive
Adjective
  • Carls pointed out that in the huddle during the timeouts, Campbell stayed upbeat and positive.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In May, Filosa laid out a five-year plan to achieve positive free cash flow by 2027.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of positive
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.

Browse Nearby Words

hell-bent
hell-bent (on or upon)
hellcat
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Cite this Entry

“Hell-bent (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hell-bent%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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