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
Gudas opposed him in the final and after draping a gold medal around his neck last spring, the hard-nosed defenseman and Ducks captain might add another piece of hardware – as well as a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice – for a very different reason.
—
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025
Even as Paraguay continues to shock CONMEBOL and Africa’s state of qualifying has sprung some surprises, New Zealand, 86th in FIFA’s world ranking, will need to incorporate at least some of the hard-nosed approach that made 2010 a galvanizing moment.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Toronto has shifted its playing style under Craig Berube, opting for more dump-and-chase play, a tight defensive structure and a heavier, more hard-nosed identity that should theoretically translate better to playoff hockey.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Or perhaps the Chargers would be wise to draft a hard-nosed running back to take some of the burden off Herbert’s shoulders and diversify the offense.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025
Even as Paraguay continues to shock CONMEBOL and Africa’s state of qualifying has sprung some surprises, New Zealand, 86th in FIFA’s world ranking, will need to incorporate at least some of the hard-nosed approach that made 2010 a galvanizing moment.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Toronto has shifted its playing style under Craig Berube, opting for more dump-and-chase play, a tight defensive structure and a heavier, more hard-nosed identity that should theoretically translate better to playoff hockey.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Or perhaps the Chargers would be wise to draft a hard-nosed running back to take some of the burden off Herbert’s shoulders and diversify the offense.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
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Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country's stubborn red-blue divide USA TODAY Texas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Yet even as Bix seems to be an avatar for all the suffering and trauma the Star Wars galaxy has to offer, Arjona is adamant that her character is not a victim.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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The league is adamant that the managers and front-office execs were informed, that front offices were updated on the specifics of the umpires’ labor agreement in writing and that there was no intent to keep anyone in the dark.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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