HARD-LINE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

hard-line

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈlīn

Definition of hard-line next

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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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-line And underlying tension between moderate Republicans aiming to combat a decline in support for the GOP among the Hispanic and Latino and hard-line immigration restrictionists is not going away any time soon. —

Emily Brooks, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026 On immigration, he is said to hew to Orbán’s hard-line views. —

Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 Reporting from the New York Times suggests that the Iranian regime has inserted more hard-line leaders after the wartime deaths of officials who were seen as more pragmatic. —

Jack Dunn, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026 But the regime shows no sign of unraveling, and the people who have replaced senior leaders are known as equally hard-line or arguably even more militant than their predecessors, according to Western officials and experts on Iran. —

Abigail Williams, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-line

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line

Adjective

The government, which is mediating the negotiations, has already imposed a strict security bubble ready for the arrival of Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation.

— Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Donation is only considered after every life-saving effort has been exhausted and death has been declared according to strict medical and ethical standards.

— Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026