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 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 Dogs bred for alertness or reactivity may be more attuned to sound, though this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026 There are no hard-and-fast rules for replacing a mattress. — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-and-fast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-and-fast

Adjective

That tariff rate was later reduced to 15% when the two sides agreed on a trade deal, but uncertainty remains about the stability of that agreement and how imports of certain European goods, such as steel, will be taxed by Washington.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
The sheriffs said Scott reiterated CBP was still not building a steel bollard wall in the park but said vehicle barriers may remain part of the plan in certain locations.

— Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of certain

Adjective

Think of it as giving a huge group of devices the same unchangeable password.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
An organization that has seen its problem and defined it as unchangeable has pre-agreed that the one thing that would work is the one thing that cannot be done.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of unchangeable

Adjective

Global economic instability has created unease at home, and a property crisis coupled with high youth unemployment has convinced some residents that securing a stable job within the government is the best path.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Both males were listed in stable condition, according to Boisvert.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of stable

Adjective

The former Hartford mayor hewed to a simple, unchanging message.

— Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
On just one unchanging set, an old-time concert hall designed by Rachel Hauck and made appropriately ominous, a tiny ensemble enacts a whole Greek tragedy of love and sacrifice that goes from the land of the living to the underworld and back.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Definition of unchanging

Adjective

Plea negotiations are ongoing between Mangione’s attorneys and federal prosecutors, but sources familiar with the discussions have cautioned that talks remain fluid, and nothing is final until it’s announced in court.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Manchester United held a narrow 3-2 lead from the first leg of this European Cup quarter-final.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of final

Adjective

For the last six years, Six has lived as a recluse in Amsterdam, lying in bed and going out twice a day for decaf coffee (the regular brew is too hard on his shattered nerves).

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
That could make a huge difference in remote communities where fuel is hard to find and dependable electricity cannot be taken for granted.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hard

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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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-and-fast

adjective

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