as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders
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Recent Examples of hard-line
What appears clear is that the tour is likely to implement a hard-line two-track system with aggressive promotion and relegation protocols.
—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Vucic has sought to curb the mass demonstrations that have shaken his hard-line rule in the Balkan country.
—
Jovana Gec,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
The Serbian president has faced international scrutiny for his hard-line tactics against the demonstrators in the past year, including arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force.
—
CBS News,
23 May 2026
Despite North Korea’s hard-line approach, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has tried to improve relations across the demilitarized zone and decrease tensions that were prevalent under his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol.
—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Vucic has sought to curb the mass demonstrations that have shaken his hard-line rule in the Balkan country.
—
Jovana Gec,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
The Serbian president has faced international scrutiny for his hard-line tactics against the demonstrators in the past year, including arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force.
—
CBS News,
23 May 2026
Despite North Korea’s hard-line approach, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has tried to improve relations across the demilitarized zone and decrease tensions that were prevalent under his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol.
—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line
Adjective
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Under the law, California is able to set these stricter standards through a waiver from the EPA.
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And extreme sports accidents renew calls for stricter regulations.
Adjective
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And a rigorous screening protocol for LFS patients developed by David Malkin, a protege of Fraumeni and Li, helps detect early-stage malignancies, improving the odds of treating them and prolonging lives.
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According to Lacey, who helped set up the Code Four program last year, enforcing the law requires a clear grasp of ethics and a rigorous attention to detail to make sure the job is done well.
Cite this Entry
“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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