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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Recent Examples of hard-line
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
Vahidi is believed to hold hard-line views more likely to be associated with holding out for additional American concessions in negotiations, continuing to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage to impose economic penalties across the globe, and refusing to give up their nuclear program.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
And though some voters are pleased with the president’s moves to shut down the southern border, his hard-line immigration agenda inside the United States has sparked large-scale protests across the state.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
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
Vahidi is believed to hold hard-line views more likely to be associated with holding out for additional American concessions in negotiations, continuing to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage to impose economic penalties across the globe, and refusing to give up their nuclear program.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
And though some voters are pleased with the president’s moves to shut down the southern border, his hard-line immigration agenda inside the United States has sparked large-scale protests across the state.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line
Adjective
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Our justice system depends on public confidence, and, as a result, the rules governing lawyers in every state are strict.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Passengers on board — representing more than 20 nationalities, including Americans — have been placed under strict health monitoring and isolation protocols as a precaution.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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Every personal finance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
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The process began with a rigorous study and a series of strategic partnerships.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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