HARD-AND-FAST Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

hard-and-fast

adjective

ˌhärd-ᵊn-ˈfast

Definition of hard-and-fast

as in certain

having been established and usually not subject to change hard-and-fast rules that governed the corporate environment in those days included strictures regarding office dress that were rigidly enforced

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unchangeable

not capable of changing or being changed hard-and-fast beliefs that are the rock-solid foundation of their religion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of hard-and-fast In an television age where genre seems increasingly like a suggestion rather than a hard-and-fast rule, the Emmys are often the lone arbiter of whether a show is essentially a drama or a comedy. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026 However, the collagen jelly mask became the exception to my hard-and-fast rule. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 June 2026 There’s no hard-and-fast rule on how physically close a witness should be under recall status, and these restrictions are up to a judge. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 May 2026 There are no hard-and-fast rules on how to log a home run or whether a circus catch ought to be recorded as more than an out. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-and-fast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-and-fast

Adjective

Earlier that year, the Department of Health and Human Services had attempted to freeze certain child-care and family-assistance funding for Illinois and four other states over alleged fraud allegations.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
There are plenty of barricades built with the explicit goal of keeping certain types of artists from access ing those rooms.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of certain

Adjective

The Nebraska researchers also found that hafnia becomes more stable as its thickness decreases.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
The parties see upside in a merger, according to the report, because both companies’ shares have been undervalued and People’s stable of lifestyle magazines like Food & Wine could complement the hospitality offerings of MGM.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of stable

Adjective

Everything remains perfect and unchanging, but thanks to this constant attention.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
The cultural issues reported in stories like these are no doubt real, but framing them as expressions of an enduring Southern Bible Belt seems to imagine religion as unchanging, timeless.

— John Hayes, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of unchanging

Adjective

Peacock is planning for a 2028 premiere, the same year Fast Forever, the 11th and final installment of the Fast & Furious film franchise, will premiere.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
The conversation and the word itself, which gives the seventh and final episode its title, unlocks the Biblical underpinnings and the complexities governing many of the main characters.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of final

Adjective

However, the Golden State might be a difficult place for retirees focused on affordability to stretch a fixed income.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
What Your Portfolio Is Telling You One of the biggest mistakes retirees can make is treating spending as a fixed number regardless of market conditions.

— Robert Cannon, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of fixed

Adjective

Upstairs, on the top floor, the bar serves vintage hard-to-get champagne and spirits by the glass.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
When transitioning from hard flooring to rugs or carpets, the system automatically adjusts suction levels and modifies its brush roll behavior to maximize particle pickup while preventing hair entanglements around the main rollers.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of hard

Browse Nearby Words

hard

hard-and-fast

hardback

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“Hard-and-fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-and-fast. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-and-fast

adjective

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