hard-hitting

adjective

hard-hit·​ting ˈhärd-ˈhi-tiŋ How to pronounce hard-hitting (audio)
: strikingly effective in force or result
a hard-hitting exposé
plain hard-hitting English

Examples of hard-hitting in a Sentence

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.
As one of the television industry's most respected medical reporters, Stahl has been recognized by community and health organizations alike for her hard-hitting yet compassionate approach to her beat, an approach that has changed lives and influenced medical practices. CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 That wasn't the only hard-hitting question Stern asked Roker during the broadcast. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026 Each post should be under 50 words, hit hard with the first line (6-12 words, hard-hitting statement, definitely not a question), and feel complete without context. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Though Towers is known for his fiery rap bars and hard-hitting rap songs, his reggaetón tracks and collaborations are what ultimately catapulted his commercial success and virality on social media. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2026 Seattle has one of the best defensive fronts in the league and a hard-hitting linebacker tandem, headlined by second-team All-Pro Ernest Jones IV. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 The Texans defense ranks near or at the top of the league in every category, a fast-flowing, hard-hitting unit that is coming Sunday to pose the toughest test Drake Maye has faced in his young NFL career. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 Garcia’s hard-hitting style clashed at times with others in his movement. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 The 2026 Iowa State Fair will open with hard-hitting country music and close with Christian pop. Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard-hitting was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard-hitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-hitting. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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