hard-line

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of hard-linenext
: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action
a hard-line policy
hard-liner noun

hard-liner

2 of 2

noun

hard-lin·​er
: one who advocates or pursues a hard-line policy

Synonyms of hard-line

Examples of hard-line in a Sentence

Adjective a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But Reform faces a challenge from Restore, an even more hard-line, anti-immigration and ethnonationalist party to its right. ABC News, 18 June 2026 As the show began to wrap up, Goldberg aimed to try to tie in the book, asking Vance about rationalizing his Catholic faith with a hard-line stance on immigration. Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 But now the city’s hard-line authorities are making the law even more repressive for anyone caught in its net. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 12 June 2026 The war has left Iranians under the boot of a regime that is bolder, more hard-line, and more repressive than before. Holly Dagres, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-line

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard-line was in 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-line. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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