hardheaded

adjective

hard·​head·​ed ˈhärd-ˈhe-dəd How to pronounce hardheaded (audio)
Synonyms of hardheadednext
1
: stubborn, willful
2
: concerned with or involving practical considerations : sober, realistic
some hardheaded advice
a hardheaded observer of winds and tides
hardheadedly adverb
hardheadedness noun

Synonyms

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Examples of hardheaded in a Sentence

He was always hardheaded about getting his way. We need to take a more hardheaded approach to these problems. She gave him some hardheaded advice.
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.
At this point in a description of a possible future technology, a hardheaded engineer loses interest. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2018 Kayce sells Yellowstone Ranch for $1.25 an acre and Elsa Dutton rises from the dead to declare victory Kayce cryptically suggested the Yellowstone sale at the end of last week's episode, and the hardheaded financial wonder Beth loved the idea. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect. — Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for hardheaded

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardheaded was circa 1532

Rhymes for hardheaded

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Browse Nearby Words

hardhead
hardheaded
hardhead sponge
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Cite this Entry

“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardheaded. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

hardheaded

adjective
hard·​head·​ed ˈhärd-ˈhed-əd How to pronounce hardheaded (audio)
1
: stubborn sense 1
2
: marked by sound judgment
a hardheaded judgment
hardheadedly adverb
hardheadedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hardheaded

Nglish: Translation of hardheaded for Spanish Speakers

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