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.
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 Trump officials are taking a hard-line approach against any use of race in admissions, clashing with colleges that invite students to discuss their race in application essays. ABC News, 4 June 2026 What appears clear is that the tour is likely to implement a hard-line two-track system with aggressive promotion and relegation protocols. Brody Miller, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The Serbian president has faced international scrutiny for his hard-line tactics against the demonstrators in the last year, including arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force. Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-line. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster