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
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
After the United States and Israel killed dozens of Iranian government leaders, the new regime has been filled by members of the Revolutionary Guard who are more hard-line, militaristic, and reckless than their predecessors.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
And underlying tension between moderate Republicans aiming to combat a decline in support for the GOP among the Hispanic and Latino and hard-line immigration restrictionists is not going away any time soon.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
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
After the United States and Israel killed dozens of Iranian government leaders, the new regime has been filled by members of the Revolutionary Guard who are more hard-line, militaristic, and reckless than their predecessors.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
And underlying tension between moderate Republicans aiming to combat a decline in support for the GOP among the Hispanic and Latino and hard-line immigration restrictionists is not going away any time soon.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard-line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-line
Adjective
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In a fireside chat with Sarah Jones, senior editor of strategic content at Sourcing Journal, Lewkowitz said the industry’s shift toward transparency is no longer optional, but a fundamental requirement for survival in a volatile climate and a stricter regulatory landscape.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
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This could also open up the possibility that the organization could punish Sorsby for his gambling actions, given the NCAA has a very strict policy on betting.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 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 2 May. 2026.
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