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.
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 Golden State has used hard-nosed defense to build its foundation but was too physical against Phoenix as the Mercury attempted 43 free throws, making 32. — Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 31 July 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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