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

Sit toward the front edge of a sturdy chair, hold the sides for support, and lean back slightly while lifting one or both feet a few inches off the floor.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
One track, though, has stood out as an especially sturdy leader.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

On Gruinard, the hardy spores hunkered down, waiting for a new host to infect—even decades later.

— RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026
Fried recommends planting Superior, Toka, Waneta, Alderman, La Crescent, and Underwood for those who need cold-hardy varieties.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency said August and September are expected to be the most critical months as dry vegetation and strong winds create favorable conditions for fires to spread rapidly.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

The Fishlake National Forest blaze near Kanosh has surged to 165 square miles, with only 19% contained, forcing evacuations, destroying structures and drawing more than 600 firefighters into rugged terrain.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
On June 27, members of the Rifle Interagency Helitack Crew spent the morning working on two fires burning in rugged red rock country on the Colorado-Utah border.

— Murphy Woodhouse, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

That left the debtor having to prove the negative that the debtor really didn't have any way to re-establish control over trust assets, and such was (and still is) a very tough sell.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Lombard also helped turn a double play in the second inning and handled another tough one-hopper hit by Cesar Prieto in the seventh.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

The company under the most commercial pressure to ship its next model just told the market that the model may be able to break into hardened systems on its own.

— Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Graham's kind is the common one, driven by age, blood pressure, and hardened arteries.

— Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of hardened

Adjective

For large, mature plants, dividing can also help support vigorous blooming, as overcrowding can negatively impact the plant’s ability to develop blooms.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Varieties like Elberta Peach and Redhaven Peach are popular for their vigorous growth and often produce fruit within the first year under optimal conditions.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 28 July 2026

Definition of vigorous

Adjective

But in the heat of the moment during practices, as Mensah leads a stout Hurricanes offense against an equally stout defensive backs group, anything is fair game.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Also topping the list are companies with stout vertical integrations and ones focused on contract manufacturing.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-bitten

adjective

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