as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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-line
The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s hard-line supreme leader, has caused widespread outrage among members of the Shia Muslim community in neighboring Pakistan, who have held demonstrations across the country.
—
Yarden Segev, NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026
Many have expressed concerns about any potential merger, but none have taken a hard-line position the way that the WGA has.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026
His hard-line government, meanwhile, has accelerated the legalization and construction of new settlements and allowed settlers to establish new outposts on hilltops ringing Palestinian villages.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
That hard-line stance came as some House Democrats voiced opposition to the stopgap funding for DHS, which was a compromise granted by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in order to scrap the original bill funding the agency.
—Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Yarden Segev, NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026
Many have expressed concerns about any potential merger, but none have taken a hard-line position the way that the WGA has.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026
His hard-line government, meanwhile, has accelerated the legalization and construction of new settlements and allowed settlers to establish new outposts on hilltops ringing Palestinian villages.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
That hard-line stance came as some House Democrats voiced opposition to the stopgap funding for DHS, which was a compromise granted by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in order to scrap the original bill funding the agency.
—Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line
Adjective
-
The effort focused on brighter street lighting, stricter enforcement against underage alcohol use and a dedicated EMS presence on Sixth Street during weekend nights.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Gandi says the licensure standards are stricter now.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While minimally invasive procedures have improved cardiac care, the heart’s complex anatomy and constant motion require rigorous hands-on training to reduce procedural errors.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Samuels has offered up his own priorities, including safe, academically rigorous and truly integrated schools.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
