tough-minded

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 tough-minded That second unit included Pollard, who was known for being physical and tough-minded during an era when physicality was more celebrated in the NBA, if not always during practice. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025 The tough-minded, rigid leadership style that worked during Welch’s era doesn’t fit the needs of modern leadership, especially for younger generations who value vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 Is the group as tough-minded without Thibodeau’s patented verve? Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 However, both are smart, tough-minded and experienced players who understand their responsibilities and will take care of business on an every-down basis. Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 At times, the Administration seemed to be testing how much destruction Americans would tolerate, if it was packaged as tough-minded business wisdom. Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 Everyone in the studio nods along to Paco’s tough-minded flexes and mafioso folktales. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025 There are no Cooper Flagg’s on St. John’s, but there are all these tough-minded and talented players so much fun to watch, RJ Luis Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor and Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith, who powered through the Big East Tournament with a shoulder injury. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025 Incoming players must fit his culture, be tough-minded and play with maximum effort and a fierce play demeanor. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough-minded
Adjective
  • Across almost 20 novels, the British author spun fantastical tales with unsentimental wit, infusing his work with darkly morbid humor, blithe child endangerment, rotten and antagonistic adults, and a willingness to occasionally laugh at the misfortune of others.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That father is Mahmood Mamdani, a political scientist known for his stringent and unsentimental view of African politics.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, a June McKinsey survey found that 80% of companies report no meaningful bottom-line impact from AI.
    Rob Thomas, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Wells Fargo Wells Fargo posted a top- and bottom-line beat for the third quarter.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, the unromantic Valentín relishes the chance to hear Molina recap a silly, big-hearted romantic plot of a musical his idol Ingrid Luna (Lopez) starred in.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Darcy goes running after Elizabeth in the rain…and then proposes to her in quite a clumsy and unromantic way?
    Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Collins will play Louis, White Sun’s good-natured and levelheaded cousin.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 July 2025
  • This makes the usually levelheaded Venita’s behavior make way more sense.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Good, the Bad and the Painterly As Bouancheau fashioned a Puss that was more lyrical, like a character that stepped out of a fairy tale book and less hard-edged, all the other characters followed suit.
    Karen Idelson, Variety, 23 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Some geomyths, recounted orally over generations, are based on eyewitness experiences, while other accounts are grounded in a keen awareness of local terrains, plus rational and imaginative ideas about the powerful forces of nature.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Theorists could prove that this will not happen if bidders are rational.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This was a sensible decision at the time, whether for reasons of NHL precedence, respect for the Thrashers organization, or inclusion of Thrashers fans who followed Atlanta to Winnipeg.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Far from being doomed by his polarizing legacy, Republicans are poised to emerge as the party of the sensible center, representing the non-polarized public, while Democrats, mired in anti-Trump fervor, risk alienating the masses with diminished appeal.
    Nafees Alam, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In terms of strategics, the growing media and entertainment trend of integrating physical park assets into cross-platform media ecosystems makes the industry a logical candidate.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, a state where thoughts race, impulsive decisions feel logical, and sleep becomes almost optional.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tough-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough-minded. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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