1
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a hardheaded politician who never hesitated to set aside principle in favor of expediency
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
Granny remained hardheaded about keeping her house and not moving into a nursing home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pragmatic
willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly
a hardheaded minister who understands the difficulties teenagers face today
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardheaded
Over his lifetime, Aron was a hardheaded defender of liberal values in the face of fascist and totalitarian ideological challengers.
—
Raymond Aron, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Meryl is a hardheaded Candide, a sharp-eyed Don Quixote.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2023
For the sake of both regional stability and long-term U.S. security, Washington needs to sustain a hardheaded, clear-eyed empathy for the interests of the Russians as well as of the Ukrainians and other nationalities.
—Frank Costigliola, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2023
But behind the display of friendship was a backdrop of hardheaded geopolitics.
—Anton Troianovski, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Raymond Aron, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Meryl is a hardheaded Candide, a sharp-eyed Don Quixote.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2023
For the sake of both regional stability and long-term U.S. security, Washington needs to sustain a hardheaded, clear-eyed empathy for the interests of the Russians as well as of the Ukrainians and other nationalities.
—Frank Costigliola, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2023
But behind the display of friendship was a backdrop of hardheaded geopolitics.
—Anton Troianovski, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheaded
Adjective
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The style is a challenge: should their comedy be smart and savvy or broad and easy-going?—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
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Light enough to layer over tights or leggings in colder weather, these pants are a smart choice for sightseeing or hiking in rainy conditions, but they can easily be dressed up with a cute blouse or blazer.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Many of the urgent phases in this journey are already being undertaken – the publication of the pragmatic EU White Paper on defence, the EU’s new Eur 800bn loan facility for defence spending and critically Germany’s decision to loosen the debt brake provision on defence spending.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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However, Venus conjunct Saturn on April 7 brings a more pragmatic tone to the mix, asking you to consider long-term commitments and the stability of your romantic connections.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Tough, shrewd, and bursting with Machiavellian ambition, Lucky is also fiercely loyal to Baba and his bumbling offspring.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
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His three-year, $45.75 million deal signed in the spring of 2023 is one of Paton and Payton’s shrewdest moves and is due to be updated as early as this spring.—
Parker Gabriel,
The Denver Post,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.—
Joanne Fowler,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But, like any astute power ranking, there are certain tells about which nominees have an advantage.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
3 Apr. 2025
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There’s a chance an astute hiker could probably see Prospect Park from the top of Cowles Mountain looking northeast.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But those who have followed this Leicester side all season will know the prospect of this particular team going on an incredible run in the final stretch of the season, combined with Wolverhampton Wanderers losing all of their fixtures, just isn’t realistic.—
Rob Tanner,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
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That's not realistic at all as while WWE typically delivers a high-caliber spectacle, even the most prestigious event is due to occasional missteps.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2025
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Ian Holzhauer, a former Air Force JAG officer and current councilman, brings deep roots and a practical mindset to local government.—
Naperville Sun,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheaded. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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