hard-hitting

adjective

hard-hit·​ting ˈhärd-ˈhi-tiŋ How to pronounce hard-hitting (audio)
: strikingly effective in force or result
a hard-hitting exposé
plain hard-hitting English

Examples of hard-hitting in a Sentence

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.
The hard-hitting defensive back can play both safety and nickel corner and should start at one of those two spots (with Bryce Fitzgerald starting at the other of the two positions). — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 The hard-hitting safety who played for his dad at Colorado was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last August. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 The hard-hitting senior from Mississippi started all 15 games for the Crimson Tide last season and earned second-team All-American honors from the American Football Coaches Association. — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 With so much varsity experience back for a program known for its grit and hard-hitting style, the Vanguards should be in the hunt for one of the league’s three automatic playoff berths. — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-hitting

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard-hitting was in 1831

Rhymes for hard-hitting

See All Rhymes for hard-hitting

Browse Nearby Words

hard-hit
hard-hitting
hardie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard-hitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-hitting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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