as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the team's hard-nosed coach doesn't make exceptions for anybody
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hard-nosed
In this dangerous setting, the United States will need to rediscover diplomacy in its classical form—not as a bag carrier for an all-powerful military or as a purveyor of global norms, but as a hard-nosed instrument of strategy.
—
A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
He’s made a career of playing hard-nosed heroes, wiseguys, and dirtbags.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Gudas opposed him in the final and after draping a gold medal around his neck last spring, the hard-nosed defenseman and Ducks captain might add another piece of hardware – as well as a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice – for a very different reason.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025
Even as Paraguay continues to shock CONMEBOL and Africa’s state of qualifying has sprung some surprises, New Zealand, 86th in FIFA’s world ranking, will need to incorporate at least some of the hard-nosed approach that made 2010 a galvanizing moment.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
He’s made a career of playing hard-nosed heroes, wiseguys, and dirtbags.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Gudas opposed him in the final and after draping a gold medal around his neck last spring, the hard-nosed defenseman and Ducks captain might add another piece of hardware – as well as a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice – for a very different reason.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025
Even as Paraguay continues to shock CONMEBOL and Africa’s state of qualifying has sprung some surprises, New Zealand, 86th in FIFA’s world ranking, will need to incorporate at least some of the hard-nosed approach that made 2010 a galvanizing moment.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
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Get The Recipe Smart Move Similar recipes with beans and peas existed before then, but a challenge made to a stubborn chef named Helen Corbitt spurred the creation of Texas caviar.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
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When tragedy strikes on Michigan roads—when a car skids off an icy bend or a semi-truck barrels through a red light—victims are often left to face not only devastating injuries but also a daunting legal maze of corporate denials and stubborn insurers.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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The chairman was adamant this bill can still pass by Johnson's goal of Memorial Day.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
16 May 2025
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Valli remains adamant about the importance of fashion as escapism.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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