hard-nosed

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈnōzd How to pronounce hard-nosed (audio)
Synonyms of hard-nosednext
1
: being tough, stubborn, or uncompromising
2
: hardheaded sense 2, tough-minded

Synonyms

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Examples of hard-nosed in a Sentence

the team's hard-nosed coach doesn't make exceptions for anybody
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.
What to know: A hard-nosed team playing tight defense and holding opponents to the fewest points per game (51.8). — Michael Waterloo, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 Even their hard-nosed editor might think that’s going a little too far for your job. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025 He also was known as a well-read, hardworking and sometimes hard-nosed politician involved in immigration, veterans affairs and environmental issues. — Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 He also was known as a well-read, hardworking and sometimes hard-nosed politician involved in immigration, veterans’ affairs and environmental issues. — Mead Gruver, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 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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hard-nosed
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Cite this Entry

“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-nosed. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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