hardball

noun

hard·​ball ˈhärd-ˌbȯl 

1

: baseball

2

: forceful uncompromising methods employed to gain an end

played political hardball

Examples of hardball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The political hardball and outside money have left some observers weary. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

The undisputed champion of political hardball in Tamarac is City Commissioner Marlon Bolton. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026

If the buyer’s home inspector comes back with a laundry list of items in need of repair, don’t play hardball. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026

Aubrey Layne, Sentara’s chief administrative officer, said lower payment rates from government programs — and impending cuts to Medicaid — are forcing the hospital to play hardball with the insurers that are representing employers. — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hardball

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

hardball

noun

hard·​ball -ˌbȯl 

: baseball