hardball
noun
hard·ball
ˈhärd-ˌbȯl 
1
: baseball
2
: forceful uncompromising methods employed to gain an end
played political hardball
Examples of hardball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
How to play hardball, if necessary?
—
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026
The Dutch-Dutch aren’t exactly known for their hardball heroism.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Senate Democrats are still playing hardball.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Jan. 2026
And Democrats aren’t afraid to play hardball.
—Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardball
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Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026
The Dutch-Dutch aren’t exactly known for their hardball heroism.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Senate Democrats are still playing hardball.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Jan. 2026
And Democrats aren’t afraid to play hardball.
—Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardball
Cite this Entry
“Hardball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardball. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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