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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardheaded
Kayce sells Yellowstone Ranch for $1.25 an acre and Elsa Dutton rises from the dead to declare victory
Kayce cryptically suggested the Yellowstone sale at the end of last week's episode, and the hardheaded financial wonder Beth loved the idea.
—
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheaded
Adjective
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Daisy Ridley's Rey is wicked smart and a capable hero in a universe with the baddies of the First Order on the warpath.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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The company says its goal is to help small teams power smarter, faster growth without technical overhead.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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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Instead, try being pragmatic and use your past thoughts and actions as a tool for future success. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.—
Theodore McDarrah,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Helix BioPharma recognizes this challenge and has built its pragmatic approach to innovation around mitigating these risks.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Getting Jones in Round 5 in 2022 was a shrewd move, but the Bears need more Day 2 and Day 3 hits.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
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Unlike Malone’s many shrewd moves over decades in the media business, however, the WBD merger hasn’t yet borne fruit.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
11 Apr. 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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Her sister is adamant that, for Jane, this was the only way.—
Kim Campbell,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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This is an astute observation from perhaps hockey’s most astute coach.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Financially, few compare to Tottenham Hotspur’s astute business acumen, as football finance expert at the University of Liverpool Kieran Maguire pointed out on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast recently.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The reality is that traditional university models aren’t a realistic option for some people.—
Arne Duncan,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
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Research rental markets carefully, weigh all the true costs of moving, and be realistic about whether a new salary offer truly offsets a higher cost of living.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Here's a few practical tips: When trying to use your phone, text – don't call.—
Joel Shannon,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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The modern privacy crisis demands a new kind of partnership between parents and children, built on honest dialogue and practical thinking.—
Lawrence Cappello,
Time,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheaded. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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