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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Israeli police and military reluctance The Israeli police are overseen by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, himself a hard-line settler who has been convicted eight times for offenses that include supporting a terrorist organization. — Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military has become more involved in general governance and embraced a hard-line approach to terrorism, but the security situation has only deteriorated. — Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026 Murrill’s hard-line tactics, particularly in Brooks’ case, stand out among her peers in other states, said Jeffrey Gutman, a professor emeritus at the George Washington University Law School and a national expert on compensation funds. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 6 Aug. 2026 Palestinians in the West Bank have faced violence as Israel’s hard-line government, dominated by settler leaders and supporters, has overseen a surge in settlement construction over the past four years. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard-line

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line

Adjective

Legitimate alcohol manufacturers use strict quality controls, and all their products undergo extensive testing, which is expensive and takes quite a bit of time.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
California has strict laws aimed at preventing collisions between cars and bikes.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

Seager's team is providing the AFN, along with their ongoing, rigorous science preparation.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026
The 2022 Nature Biotechnology review urged rigorous clinical testing, and later reviews continued to flag reliability and standardization issues.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

hardiness

hard-line

hard-luck

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hard-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-line. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of hard-line

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inexorable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes