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 leverage that public health plans have Before reversing course, Montana embraced a more hardball approach to lower health care costs out of necessity. — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026

This is a classic hardball negotiating tactic that Trump is no doubt familiar with himself. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 July 2026

The political hardball erupted as Espaillat faces the toughest primary challenge of his five-term career in Congress from Chevalier, a progressive member of the Democratic Socialists of America. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026

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