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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Example Sentences

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 another era, his hard-nosed coke raps could have blown up in a much cooler way, say, during the 2010s blog era. — Lei Takanashi, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026 Everyone who watches Cochran sees a hard-nosed, tough-minded center back who makes an impact at both ends of the field. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 That moral point also happens to be hard-nosed business logic. — Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The war in Iran has brought the goals of climate activists and hard-nosed security officials closer together. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed

Adjective

Her mom handmade her dress Parton was adamant about having her mom, Avie Lee Parton, present for her nuptials.

— Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
But Coppola was adamant, and Eastman used her leverage to help secure Pacino’s place.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of adamant

Adjective

But the same steadfast pursuit that’s placed the attorney at the center of nearly every call for racial justice in the past decade has earned Crump more than a few detractors.

— Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
In spite of the steadfast testimony of those who went over the antlers as meticulously as anyone could, there are still many detractors.

— Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

The water alone will create steam in the microwave, softening any hardened debris.

— Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
Under the shadow of a red Force Recon Association hat and tinted glasses, Capers’ eyes wore a hardened look that made no effort to hide the darkness and despair that gripped him at that moment.

— Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-nosed

adjective

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