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
  • Despite these headwinds, the labor market has proven sturdy so far this year.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But once assembly was complete the pit was very sturdy, and my wife and I were easily able to carry it between my porch and a crushed-stone section of my backyard that usually holds a firepit, trying it in both places.
    — Noah Kaufman, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • These hardy plants often flower without assistance, but cutting them back to the ground in late fall increases their chance of double blooming next year.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Of course, a yeast that can survive on Mars is … well, a yeast that can survive on Mars, which could actually risk contaminating the planet with hardy and fast-multiplying Earth microbes.
    — Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of hardy
Adjective
  • Mercury in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo, making opinions stronger, reactions quicker, and certain conversations easier to escalate than intended.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Fire officials had also failed to take advantage of satellite imagery after strong winds grounded their typical eyes in the sky, aircraft.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • Next, save 30% on the JBL Grip Bluetooth speaker for rugged outdoor sound.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
  • International Harvester built the original Scout from 1961 to 1980, establishing its reputation as a rugged, versatile vehicle for off-road and everyday use.
    — Chase Jordan October 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • With phones, keys, multi-tools, flashlights, water bottles and charging cables, the modern trouser and jacket pocket has a tough job coping.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Trump’s proclamation would have delayed compliance with the tougher standards from 2027 until 2029, though EPA ultimately repealed them in February.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 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
  • The guidelines also recommend pairing the strength training with 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity) each week.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Miss Neal is vibrant and lovely as the young widow, and Hugh Marlowe is vigorous as her ambitious suitor.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • Denver is a tough place to play, and the Broncos defense is stout.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the offensive struggles, a stout defense kept the Panthers within striking distance, allowing FAU (2-1) to score only 10 points off those three turnovers.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 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 Oct. 2026.

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