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

Cantor was ready to play hardball. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 28 Feb. 2026

How to play hardball, if necessary? — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026

With five years left on Larkin’s contract, the Wings could decide to play hardball. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 9 June 2026

Before filming even began, the studio played hardball with the contract negotiation. — Jet Li, Vulture, 6 May 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