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
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Stidham with a sturdy opening act There may not have been another Broncos player who was more eager to get on the field Friday night than Stidham.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • The rootstock is usually hardier or more disease-resistant than the scion.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Tropical hibiscus cultivars have a lower success rate than hardy hibiscus varieties, so take multiple cuttings to increase your chances.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of hardy
Adjective
  • Reese missed badly on the layup attempt, but her strong play sparked an Atlanta Dream rally before halftime.
    — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Historically, the strongest predictor of a recruiting boom has been a weak economy.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • For instance, try balancing out the rugged look with feminine shorts like the LyreBird Silken Lace-Trim Shorts.
    — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Summary The 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro emerges as a powerful, rugged, and handsome truck, despite its premium price and massive size.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • With men on first and third and nobody out that inning, second baseman Jackson Holliday fielded a tough grounder and threw to second, but shortstop Gunnar Henderson dropped the ball for an error and everyone was safe.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As for footwear sales in the region, the second quarter saw a slowdown of sales of high-heat product, alongside tougher comparatives and ongoing softness in end-of-cycle footwear product lines.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 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
  • The entity has embarked on a vigorous program of experiences and other projects to introduce the legendary band to a new generation of fans.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There is a vigorous double jeopardy statute in New York state.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • Combined output is a powerful 437 horsepower and a stout 583 pound-feet of torque.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Veteran Dre'Mont Jones, who's typically a stout run defender, wasn't immune to the edge-setting problems that plagued the outside linebackers throughout practice.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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