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
Her selection enraged Iran’s hard-line Shiite theocracy, which increased her prison time and later sent guards to rough her up along with other prisoners who were protesting inside Evin Prison.
—
ABC News, 1 May 2026
Chief among them is Saeed Jalili, a senior member of the National Security Council who took a similarly hard-line position against the talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
Since 2023, he's assumed a hard-line stance in his support for Israel, particularly in relation to Israel's military action in Gaza, as compared to other Democrats, according to The Hill.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
On the streets, large crowds representing the country’s hard-line factions have rallied daily in support of the regime and against any agreement with Washington that would place Iran in a position of defeat.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
ABC News, 1 May 2026
Chief among them is Saeed Jalili, a senior member of the National Security Council who took a similarly hard-line position against the talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
Since 2023, he's assumed a hard-line stance in his support for Israel, particularly in relation to Israel's military action in Gaza, as compared to other Democrats, according to The Hill.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
On the streets, large crowds representing the country’s hard-line factions have rallied daily in support of the regime and against any agreement with Washington that would place Iran in a position of defeat.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line
Adjective
-
And Shuter is also reporting that Lively wanted a strict NDA during settlement negotiations, but the Baldoni camp refused.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
11 May 2026
-
Baltimore residents support stricter penalties Parents who spoke to WJZ-TV supported stricter penalties.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Students reportedly balanced rigorous courses and activities Many of the students took difficult classes such as AP Physics, AP Economics and multivariable calculus while also participating in clubs, sports and community organizations.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
The report goes on to say separate academies for immigrant and refugee students can deny them access to rigorous coursework and diverse elective options, and can hinder their academic process and social integration.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
