hard-line

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈlīn 

: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action

a hard-line policy

hard-liner

ˈhärd-ˈlī-nər 

noun

Synonyms of hard-line

• strict
• rigorous

Examples of hard-line in a Sentence

a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders

Recent Examples on the Web

Israeli police and military reluctance The Israeli police are overseen by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, himself a hard-line settler who has been convicted eight times for offenses that include supporting a terrorist organization. — Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military has become more involved in general governance and embraced a hard-line approach to terrorism, but the security situation has only deteriorated. — Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026

Murrill’s hard-line tactics, particularly in Brooks’ case, stand out among her peers in other states, said Jeffrey Gutman, a professor emeritus at the George Washington University Law School and a national expert on compensation funds. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 6 Aug. 2026

Palestinians in the West Bank have faced violence as Israel’s hard-line government, dominated by settler leaders and supporters, has overseen a surge in settlement construction over the past four years. — ABC News, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hard-line

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• brucine
• byline