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 shoes balanced on a slender yet sturdy stiletto heel measuring around three inches.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
The result has been sturdy economic growth, even as lower-income and even middle-income households have continued to struggle under stubborn inflation and declining earnings.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

Although generally hardy, the plant is susceptible to certain diseases, including anthracnose and bacterial soft rot, as well as pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Cold-hardy brassicas like kale only need to be covered when temperatures fall to 26 to 28°F, and light frosts potentially make these veggies taste better and sweeter.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

But zest was one of just two strengths (the other is hope) that had the strongest relationship to mental well-being across countries and age groups.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
However, some safety advocates and Senator Maria Cantwell want a stronger federal review process.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

Christened Invision, the 328-footer is designed as a rugged, bluewater cruiser with a superyacht’s style, comfort, and finish.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Mage was ready to overlook anything—the minuscule bedrooms, the historical restrictions, the rugged location that puts it at a high fire risk—for the light.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

Celebrity hairstylist Brian Magallones considers this the perfect balance between a not-too-fussy and not-too-structured chignon, a style that sounds tough to style without a professional team but is actually quite easy to master at-home.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Coming off that dominant performance against the Yankees, Rasmussen went six-plus tough innings.

— Rob Maaddi, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

O’Brien’s Ted Keegan is a father, farmer and military veteran — a hardened man who’s spent much of his life following orders and keeping secrets.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
And yet, for a millennia after the fall of Rome, the world largely forgot about concrete, until, in the 18th century, an English mason found that mixing limestone and clay could form a paste that hardened underwater.

— Sara Herschander, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of hardened

Adjective

The legendary French fashion house was making a second issue of its surprisingly vigorous, thick-stock glossy art magazine.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026
Brisk walking, light cycling, doubles tennis and household chores such as vacuuming, mopping and mowing the lawn were categorized as moderate activity; vigorous activity included jogging, fast cycling, singles tennis and aerobics.

— Jennifer Fields, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of vigorous

Adjective

Atlanta is playing without Za'Darius Smith, the team leader with 2 1/2 sacks who suffered a concussion/neck injury in Week 4, but its pass rush remains stout.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Patterson, a Hall of Fame coach known for stout defenses, was supposed to help Riley address the Trojans’ biggest weakness, but the turnaround hasn’t been swift or smooth.

— Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-bitten

adjective

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