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.—
Haley Parsley
June 22,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
-
And extreme sports accidents renew calls for stricter regulations.—
David Hickey,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
Adjective
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This is why getting a high-definition picture of a leader — through rigorous assessment, psychometric profiling, structured reference gathering, and behavioural history — is not an optional extra in the selection process.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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Every gas article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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