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.
The 5-foot-11, 217-pound safety started the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders alongside Jaylinn Hawkins and fellow veteran Kyle Dugger, a similar hard-hitting, downhill player. Oliver Thomas, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Sonza’s version stays truthful to the song’s sentiment, but is amped by a hard-hitting Brazilian Funk beat, powered by lyrics in Portuguese. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2025 This guitar-heavy song from Oasis’ final studio album, 2008’s Dig Out Your Soul, is a hard-hitting jam — and the story behind it holds just as much angst. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025 With only a few weeks until the 2025-26 NFL season kicks off, teams across the pro football league are getting their rosters set and their players ready for a grueling season of hard-hitting and thrilling action. Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025 The hard-hitting Santiaguel should be the anchor on defense. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025 The hard-hitting sophomore ended up going 2-for-4 with a solo home run. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2025 The hard-hitting outfield prospect impressed him from afar long ago, and when the Red Sox called Anthony up, Bogaerts knew he wouldn’t be getting sent down any time soon. Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025 In a new interview, Hart was brutally honest in his criticism of GUNTHER's hard-hitting style, specifically the use of chops. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Hard-hitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-hitting. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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