hard-line

1 of 2

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈlīn 

: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action

a hard-line policy

hard-liner

ˈhärd-ˈlī-nər 

noun

hard-liner

2 of 2

noun

hard-lin·​er

: one who advocates or pursues a hard-line policy

Synonyms of hard-line

Adjective

• strict
• rigorous

Examples of hard-line in a Sentence

Adjective

a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His hard-line security policies have been a pillar of his campaign, and polls show these proposals are popular among Brazilians. — Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

This hard-line stance appeals to the majority of Israelis, who do not think that Palestinians are interested in negotiations or diplomacy. — Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

The settlers, encouraged by Israel’s hard-line government, have stepped up efforts to seize springs and other heritage sites. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Ebrahim Rezaei, a hard-line lawmaker, asked Wednesday after Araghchi met Witkoff. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hard-line

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