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

Examples of hard-line in a Sentence

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.
In the meantime, a provisional governing council composed of President Masoud Pezeshkian, hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and senior Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi is guiding the country through its biggest crisis in decades. ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026 Continue reading … EDITORIAL FIRESTORM — New York Times calls Iran's dictator 'hard-line cleric' in obit, sparking backlash. FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026 So is Hassan Khomeini, a grandson of Khomeini who is known to be less hard-line than his peers. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 The third member is Alireza Arafi, a hard-line cleric who serves on the Guardian Council and has long been seen as a continuity candidate to succeed Khamenei. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-line

Word History

First Known Use

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 9 Mar. 2026.

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