as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
a hard-bitten Apache chief who could endure the scorching heat of the Arizona desert
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Recent Examples of hard-bitten
Her hard-bitten, cynical persona provides a nice juxtaposition to how maudlin so much commentary about motherhood can be.
—
Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
But the sentiments are the razors in the apples: hard-bitten, painful, wise from disappointment, and braced for the next crisis.
—Spin Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024
Alaska has devolved into a colony of big oil, and its politics have become so closed, hard-bitten, and strident.
—Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2015
Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
But the sentiments are the razors in the apples: hard-bitten, painful, wise from disappointment, and braced for the next crisis.
—Spin Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024
Alaska has devolved into a colony of big oil, and its politics have become so closed, hard-bitten, and strident.
—Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hard-bitten
Adjective
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Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 July 2025
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Photograph: Kat Merck AmazonBasics Small Packing Cubes for Travel, 4-Piece-Set $20 $14 (30% off) Amazon Not quite as compressive as our top pick, these Amazon Basics cubes offer sturdy mesh windows and durable fabric—a budget-friendly intro to packing cubes.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, bearded irises are one of the easiest perennials to grow in cold-weather regions.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2025
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For a hardy perennial that grows in areas where many plants fail, plant hellebores.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
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According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Outdoor Enthusiasts: The RAV4’s available all wheel drive and rugged design, particularly in Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, attract those who enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and both water and snow skiing.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
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Beaches on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast The Pacific coast runs the length of the country’s western edge, and the landscape is more varied and rugged than on the Caribbean.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Morton, 43, may take that advice under serious consideration, mentioning how tough the fans – and even fellow cast members – have been on her following this past season’s cast trip to Grenada.—
John Lawson,
Essence,
9 July 2025
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But after rookie third baseman Ronny Mauricio made an exceptionally tough double play to end a two-on, one-out threat in the bottom of the eighth, there was no way the Mets were losing.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Jane Street has disputed the findings and is expected to mount a vigorous defense.—
Daniel Schlaepfer,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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One positive blessing today is that your health feels vigorous and strong!—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder needs to be better at anchoring, as he too often was driven into the backfield by stout nose tackles last season.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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Faison rushed for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns for the Aggies last fall, averaging a stout 5.6 yards per carry.—
Chase Goodbread,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hard-bitten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-bitten. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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