hard-bitten

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈbi-tᵊn How to pronounce hard-bitten (audio)
Definition of hard-bittennext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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-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
  1. sturdy
  2. hardy
  3. strong
  4. rugged
  5. tough
  6. hardened
  7. vigorous
  8. stout
Adjective
  • All of these are captured using his Nikon Z8 and 100-400mm lens, usually set on a sturdy tripod with a fluid head.
    — Patrick Connolly Orlando Sentinel, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Getty’s 5%-plus dividend accounts for less than 80% of FFO estimates, and it’s backed by sturdy tenants with good credit.
    — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • From flowering to evergreen, these hardy shrubs deliver seasonal interest and texture—without demanding constant care.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026
  • According to their findings detailed in a study published today in The ISME Journal, everything from tiny worms, to hardy tardigrades, to even rock-eating fungi build a vast, complex ecosystem below the Earth’s surface.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026
Definition of hardy
Adjective
  • Sustained high performance by firms that treat customer value as primary remains the strongest empirical rebuttal.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Second baseman Amira Hondras, coming off a strong women’s baseball World Cup debut last week, tied the game in the at-bat prior with a single up the middle to set up Villareal’s heroics.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • In Zamora province near the Portuguese border, more than 20 ground and aerial units guarded the perimeter of the Fermoselle fire against flare-ups in the rugged Arribes del Duero landscape.
    — Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The rugged Atlantic Coast, forests, and historic towns await retirees in the Northeast.
    — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • The city's local Democratic lawmakers claim that the tough-on-crime policies only temporarily reduced crime while troop presence was at its peak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Lopez and multiple bullpen arms got out of tough jams to limit the Red Sox 16 baserunners across the first nine innings to just two runs, only one earned.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Some years later John emerges, hardened and singularly focused on revenge.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 July 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
  • Hours before the buck moon, tender Venus in Virgo and vigorous Mars in Gemini face off, manifesting drama with others.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 27 July 2026
  • Also, keep the plants vigorous with fertilizer applications once or twice a year.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • Robinson produced at least two would-be sacks, forced and recovered a fumble and was stout against the run for most of the day.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • It’s been a little more than a week since a stout, scrappy raccoon captured the internet's heart, and Jimothy mania is showing no signs of slowing down.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 25 July 2026
Definition of stout

Browse Nearby Words

hardbacks
hard-bitten
hard-boiled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard-bitten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-bitten. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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