HARD-LINE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

hard-line

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈlīn

Definition of hard-line

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 Political adviser Esteban Gerbasi warned that the administration’s engagement with Cabello could erode support among Latino voters who have backed Republican candidates largely because of their hard-line stance against the Venezuelan government. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 Even the hard-line Ecologists party is coming around to the fact that AC is now a necessity, with the party’s head, Marine Tondelier, saying hospitals and schools should be equipped with cooling systems. — Jessica Roy, Curbed, 29 June 2026 But Reform faces a challenge from Restore, an even more hard-line, anti-immigration and ethnonationalist party to its right. — ABC News, 18 June 2026 As the show began to wrap up, Goldberg aimed to try to tie in the book, asking Vance about rationalizing his Catholic faith with a hard-line stance on immigration. — Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-line

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line

Adjective

Though South Florida abides by strict statewide building codes to protect against wind and flooding, Lejeune is concerned that no new construction has been tested by destructive storms.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
In the 2026 session, the Legislature passed HB 991, an elections bill that requires strict proof of citizenship to vote and reduces the forms of photo ID that are acceptable at the polls.

— Eric "Doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

Then again, allowing American companies to sell BPC-157 for human use could create the impression that the peptide, which hasn’t passed through the rigorous process the FDA uses to approve new drugs, nonetheless has the agency’s blessing.

— Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Hydrogen requires specialized storage systems, dedicated airport infrastructure, and rigorous safety standards.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

hardiness

hard-line

hard-luck

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“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hard-line

adjective

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