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.
Iranians have occasionally rallied around reformist candidates, but they, too, have been undermined by hard-line revolutionary purists. Robin Wright, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026 The hard-line Kayhan newspaper published a video online claiming that security forces would use drones to identify those taking part. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 By the time Bachmann’s 2012 presidential bid flamed out, Miller was already firmly ensconced with then-Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who shared his hard-line obsession with immigration, and Bannon, who provided a broader nationalist, populist scaffolding. Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026 While the Rodríguez siblings may be prepared to absorb this to preserve stability and their own survival, hard-line military figures could be far less inclined to do so. Rebecca Hanson, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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