HARD-BITTEN Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

hard-bitten

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈbi-tᵊn

Definition of hard-bitten

as in sturdy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure a hard-bitten Apache chief who could endure the scorching heat of the Arizona desert

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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-bitten Alaska has devolved into a colony of big oil, and its politics have become so closed, hard-bitten, and strident. — Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2015

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-bitten

Adjective

Neither Jović nor Eala has a sturdy serve, as is common among players their age, so quick points were few and far between.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Its full aluminum build is sturdy and lightweight enough to hold for a long time, and battery life is solid for how bright the screen is, clocking in at over six hours on a single charge in our testing.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

Most mums of this type are suited for zones 5-9, but some exceptionally cold-tolerant varieties, such as Mammoth, are hardy down to zone 3.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
While hardier, wipeable furniture certainly has its time and place (say, messy craft sessions and sticky snack times), something a little more plush lends itself well to lounging around, reading breaks, and more relaxed forms of play.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Design delivers low noise and vibration levels The new Elegance Pod is being developed with a strong focus on total system efficiency.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

Plus, its rugged IPX7 waterproof casing easily withstands rain, spills, and outdoor grime, while the 5,200mAh battery delivers a full 24 hours of non-stop playback.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Great for more rugged adventures, like hiking through wet terrain or rainy days, the men’s Clifton 9 GTX is waterproof and features the brand’s comfortable Gore-Tex fit.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

Space-grade electronics will cost more, and the ball’s shell—made from a material tough enough to roll over steel shards and withstand minus 184 °C temperatures—has never been evaluated in lunar extremes.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026
Democratic leaders face tough decisions on where to spend limited party resources to win the Senate majority.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Amid statues and posters of the Virgen de Guadalupe was a rosary that a man had made of hardened bread during his months in an immigration detention facility.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
After spending 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean is being released a hardened man.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardened

Adjective

Paramasivam’s death has fueled a vigorous protest campaign by the Commercial and Industrial Workers Union, Asia Floor Wage Alliance, Global Labor Justice and other groups.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Puppies should not engage in vigorous tug-of-war games because too much tugging can create jaw or bite problems.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of vigorous

Adjective

Trailing by 20 points in the third quarter, the Carroll Dragons (1-1) were doomed by the Panthers’ stout defense that claimed five takeaways.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
On offense, that means pounding the rock with a stout run game and letting that set up the passing attack.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of stout

Browse Nearby Words

hardbacks

hard-bitten

hard-boiled

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“Hard-bitten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-bitten. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-bitten

adjective

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