Synonyms of hard-nosednext
1
: being tough, stubborn, or uncompromising
a hard-nosed boss
2

Examples of hard-nosed in a Sentence

the team's hard-nosed coach doesn't make exceptions for anybody
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.
One year ago, Georgetown was deemed too small and too inexperienced – yet the Royals developed a hard-nosed defensive identity that led to their first state championship in program history. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 For Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a hard-nosed pragmatism is at play. John Liu, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026 While seemingly every other player struggled to hit shots or got in foul trouble, the 5-foot-7 Booher played an integral role, running the offense, making two key shots and playing hard-nosed defense in the Corsairs’ 41-37 loss to Rolling Meadows. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 On Sunday it was revealed that hard-nosed winger Marcus Foligno will miss time with a lower body injury. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard-nosed was in 1917

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Cite this Entry

“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-nosed. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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