as in stubborn
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
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Recent Examples of hard-nosed
Now filming the fourth season of Abbott after playing completely against type as a hard-nosed parole officer in the indie film Ricky that's heading to Sundance Film Festival this month, Ralph is busier than ever.
—
Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
These countries banded together and, through years of hard-nosed negotiations, secured a compromise with the superpowers.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Miller provides the hard-nosed play that is designed for playoff success but offers the premiere offensive production to replace — and improve — current underperforming top-six Rangers forwards.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
Harvick, one of NASCAR’s greatest, built an empire of dominance with this number, including a Cup Series championship, 60 career wins, and an endless highlight reel of hard-nosed racing.
—Greg Engle, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hard-nosed 
Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
These countries banded together and, through years of hard-nosed negotiations, secured a compromise with the superpowers.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Miller provides the hard-nosed play that is designed for playoff success but offers the premiere offensive production to replace — and improve — current underperforming top-six Rangers forwards.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
Harvick, one of NASCAR’s greatest, built an empire of dominance with this number, including a Cup Series championship, 60 career wins, and an endless highlight reel of hard-nosed racing.
—Greg Engle, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
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Coaches will tell you of a character who could be grumpy or stubborn, but also of someone who needed faith shown in him.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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Thanks to its impressive staying power, this eyeliner can be a bit stubborn to remove.—
Siena Gagliano,
Allure,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Rocky has been adamant in declaring his innocence, refusing what many considered a decent plea deal before the trial got underway.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
29 Jan. 2025
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Such a lineup is unknown territory for the festival, but Blanc was adamant not to deviate from the carte blanche principle for selections.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Lear remains steadfast that she’s always been a woman, but the film keeps cutting away to other people confirming her transition.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2025
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But a trade always seemed unlikely as Indiana president of basketball Kelly Krauskopf drafted Mitchell No. 2 in the 2018 WNBA Draft and has remained steadfast in her support of the 5-foot-8 guard.—
Sabreena Merchant,
The Athletic,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hard-nosed
Cite this Entry
“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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