Hard-line — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈhärd-ˈlīn/

Meaning & Definition of Hard-line

Hard-line (adjective)

  1. advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action

Hard-line (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards

    "a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders"

    similar: brassbound, cast-iron, exacting, inflexible, rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent, uncompromising
    related: close, conscientious, exact, fussy, meticulous, painstaking, punctilious, scrupulous, undeviating, adamant, adamantine, determined, dogged, firm, relentless, resolved, single-minded, steadfast, stubborn, tenacious, unbending, unflinching, immovable, implacable, unappeasable, unrelenting, unsparing, unyielding, austere, demanding, flinty, grim, hard, hardened, hard-hearted, harsh, ironbound, severe, stern, tough
    opposite: flexible, lax, loose, relaxed, slack
    near: acquiescent, compliant, compromising, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding, easy, easygoing, gentle, indulgent, kindly, lenient, merciful, mild, pampering, soft, spoiling, tolerant, neglectful, negligent, remiss, slipshod, sloppy, slovenly, unfussy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hard-line

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hard-line:

brassbound, cast-iron, exacting, inflexible, rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent, uncompromising

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hard-line

Words with the opposite meaning of Hard-line:

flexible, lax, loose, relaxed, slack

Related Words for Hard-line

close, conscientious, exact, fussy, meticulous, painstaking, punctilious, scrupulous, undeviating, adamant, adamantine, determined, dogged, firm, relentless, resolved, single-minded, steadfast, stubborn, tenacious, unbending, unflinching, immovable, implacable, unappeasable, unrelenting, unsparing, unyielding, austere, demanding

Near Antonyms of Hard-line

acquiescent, compliant, compromising, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding, easy, easygoing, gentle, indulgent, kindly, lenient, merciful, mild, pampering, soft, spoiling, tolerant, neglectful, negligent, remiss, slipshod, sloppy, slovenly, unfussy

Word Forms of Hard-line

Derived words: hard-liner (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Hard-line

First known use: 1903

Frequently Asked Questions about Hard-line

What does "Hard-line" mean?

"Hard-line" means advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action. As an adjective, it is defined as: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action.

What is another word for "Hard-line"?

Other words for "Hard-line" include brassbound, cast-iron, exacting, inflexible, rigid, rigorous, strict and stringent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hard-line" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hard-line"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hard-line". Common alternatives include brassbound, cast-iron, exacting, inflexible, rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent and uncompromising.

What is the opposite of "Hard-line"?

Antonyms of "Hard-line" include flexible, lax, loose, relaxed and slack. Near antonyms include acquiescent, compliant, compromising and pliable.

How do you use "Hard-line" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hard-line" in a sentence: "a hard-line approach to the sentencing of repeat offenders".

Is "Hard-line" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hard-line" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Hard-line"?

"Hard-line" is pronounced /ˈhärd-ˈlīn/.

What is the origin of the word "Hard-line"?

First known use: 1903.