hard-line

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈlīn 

: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action

a hard-line policy

hard-liner

ˈhärd-ˈlī-nər 

noun

Synonyms of hard-line

• strict
• rigorous

Examples of hard-line in a Sentence

a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders

Recent Examples on the Web

Motherland, a hard-line nationalist party, has repeatedly changed its structure and leadership since its start in the early 2000s. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

As Iran’s hard-line regime has given way to an even harder-line one, the Administration has effectively ceded control of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most significant waterways. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

But so far, it’s shown no sign of pushing the country’s increasingly hard-line leaders to make concessions on the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s disputed nuclear program or its support for armed groups in the region. — Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

In Colombia, Rubio will meet hard-line President Abelardo de la Espriella, who is ending peace talks, expanding bombings on armed groups, vowing migrant deportations and facing criticism over civilian deaths and body displays. — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hard-line

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• brucine
• byline