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
Her only chance for safety is to cut a dirty deal with the hard-nosed gang leader Zuka (rapper Ziad Zaza).
—
Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 May 2025
Not only was the winger jumping into the league just one year after he was drafted, but the 1984-85 Philadelphia Flyers were a talent-laden club led by a first-year head coach, Mike Keenan, who quickly established a reputation as a hard-nosed guy who would often employ abrasive tactics.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
But with two first-rounders in each of the 2026 and 2027 drafts, courtesy of the Marchand and Brandon Carlo deals, the B’s would be in good position to get aggressive and offer-sheet promising hard-nosed winger Matthew Knies, a restricted free agent.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 19 May 2025
Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.
—Air Mail, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 May 2025
Not only was the winger jumping into the league just one year after he was drafted, but the 1984-85 Philadelphia Flyers were a talent-laden club led by a first-year head coach, Mike Keenan, who quickly established a reputation as a hard-nosed guy who would often employ abrasive tactics.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
But with two first-rounders in each of the 2026 and 2027 drafts, courtesy of the Marchand and Brandon Carlo deals, the B’s would be in good position to get aggressive and offer-sheet promising hard-nosed winger Matthew Knies, a restricted free agent.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 19 May 2025
Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.
—Air Mail, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hard-nosed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-nosed
Adjective
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Their relationship can be difficult as AM is stubborn and likes to have her way always.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Rick McConnell said that this sounds like his mom, who is stubborn.—
Bella Waters,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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But Rawan is adamant that solving this will need more than just high-tech products.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Furious, Julian is adamant that Gabby wasn’t on the boat with Finn and Toby.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Alternatively, seersucker remains a steadfast warm-weather favorite—especially for those who appreciate a touch of New England preppiness.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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The single combines the guitarist’s weighted influence with the música mexicana group’s steadfast ambition.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-nosed. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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