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

The play, like a sturdy classic that Sheldon might love, runs over two hours with an intermission, not without dragging.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
Flavors of plum, dark chocolate, and blueberry are supported by sturdy, yet silky tannins and the finish goes on for what seems like days.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

In the hot and progressively drier areas of the Southwest, the conifers — such as ponderosa pines or Douglas fir — are having difficulty growing back compared to their hardy competition.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Overwintering ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia is winter hardy through USDA hardiness zone 6.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

All manner of contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, ranging from Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman photographs to paintings from Francis Bacon and Sol LeWitt sculptures.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Rather than a sudden surge, the new estimate shows the population has always been strong, thriving, and secure.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

The search spanned rugged, steep terrain and took more than 300 hours of work by 20 volunteer rescuers, aided by local and state agencies and helicopters.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
This pattern is likely to be even more pronounced in rugged terrain, where some rain totals could verge on the extreme.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

Now, Germino says her social media presence is all about giving other patients going through the same tough decision an example of someone who’s thriving after the procedure.

— Kara McGrath, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's administration is about to start tough budget negotiations against a backdrop of division and economic turmoil.

— Chloe Taylor,Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Its government, dominated by hardened veterans of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and largely indifferent to the suffering of the Iranian population, appears determined to fight on.

— RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
Severe neuropathy can dull the sensation of excessive pressure, raising injury risk, and advanced lymphedema with hardened swelling calls for medical advice first.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of hardened

Adjective

By the late 1500s, the once vigorous Ming was severely eroding.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is in the fight of her political life, facing a vigorous challenge from City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a savvy campaigner who was until recently a close ally.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of vigorous

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 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-bitten

adjective

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