1
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a hardheaded politician who never hesitated to set aside principle in favor of expediency
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
Granny remained hardheaded about keeping her house and not moving into a nursing home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pragmatic
willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly
a hardheaded minister who understands the difficulties teenagers face today
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hardheaded
Kayce sells Yellowstone Ranch for $1.25 an acre and Elsa Dutton rises from the dead to declare victory
Kayce cryptically suggested the Yellowstone sale at the end of last week's episode, and the hardheaded financial wonder Beth loved the idea.
—
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024
Over his lifetime, Aron was a hardheaded defender of liberal values in the face of fascist and totalitarian ideological challengers.
—Raymond Aron, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024
Over his lifetime, Aron was a hardheaded defender of liberal values in the face of fascist and totalitarian ideological challengers.
—Raymond Aron, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hardheaded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheaded
Adjective
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If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
The hardside spinner has a fashionable wave-like exterior, and the matching duffel makes for a smart, compact gym bag or overnight bag.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
With him at the helm, the OCC looks poised to reinvigorate a pragmatic, innovation-friendly stance — a hopeful sign for the future of crypto within the U.S. banking system.—
Jason Brett,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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But this cynicism has evolved into a pragmatic rejection of war—especially one at the behest of a belligerent Israel and a complicit Washington.—
H.A. Hellyer,
Time,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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In its pleasantly complicated world-building, the series manages to be a shrewd political thriller, a cracking adventure, and a haunting religious allegory rolled into one.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
3 July 2025
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Beyond long-running The Lawrence Welk Show, which debuted on ABC on this day in 1955, Welk was a bandleader, an accordion player, and a shrewd businessman synonymous with squeaky-clean (and older-skewing) entertainment.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
11 July 2025
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The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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As many of our astute commenters guessed, between the peeing on himself and the trouble getting it up, Harry Goldenblatt has prostate cancer.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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An astute and compassionate portrait of sisterhood, flaws and all, the dynamics between the characters are sublime.—
Fran Littlewood
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Agents going to the president's or vice president's detail will have the opportunity to learn in a hands-on, realistic training environment thanks to the new addition.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
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In previous sales, however, the following (realistic) trade-ins have fetched the best pricing.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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The Quince Leather Jewelry Box checks all the boxes of the perfect jewelry organizer: spacious, practical, and stylish.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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To bridge this growing gap, companies are turning to Artificial Intelligence, not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheaded. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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