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
That leads us to Brent Seabrook and his 1,114 games, a classic example of the dependable, hard-nosed blueliner archetype that will show up often on this list.
—
Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Philadelphians love players who are hard-nosed, hard-working and give their best effort on every play.
—Timothy J. Brown, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for hard-nosed 
Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Philadelphians love players who are hard-nosed, hard-working and give their best effort on every play.
—Timothy J. Brown, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
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America’s stubborn division was reflected at the nation on the largest stage possible.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Feb. 2025
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The telescope now named for her will help unravel the stubborn mystery surrounding it.—
Jeffrey Kluger/Greenbelt,
TIME,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The arbitration ruling is vindication of sorts for the buyers, who have been adamant over the past year that Taylor was delaying the inevitable.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
10 Feb. 2025
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Head coach Leon Rice was adamant his team would heat up from three, but the 3-point shooting remained spotty.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Universal Music Group has remained steadfast in their claims that there was no foul play involved with the record and its popularity was simply, organically due to the quality of the song.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
10 Feb. 2025
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Amid recent efforts to challenge, or in some cases, completely erase the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the National Football League (NFL) remains steadfast in its commitment to embracing and celebrating all people.—
John Lawson,
Essence,
10 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 2025.
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