hard-bitten

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈbi-tᵊn How to pronounce hard-bitten (audio)
Definition of hard-bittennext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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-bitten 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
  1. sturdy
  2. hardy
  3. strong
  4. rugged
  5. tough
  6. hardened
  7. vigorous
  8. stout
Adjective
  • Despite these headwinds, the labor market has proven sturdy so far this year.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But once assembly was complete the pit was very sturdy, and my wife and I were easily able to carry it between my porch and a crushed-stone section of my backyard that usually holds a firepit, trying it in both places.
    — Noah Kaufman, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • In the hot and progressively drier areas of the Southwest, the conifers — such as ponderosa pines or Douglas fir — are having difficulty growing back compared to their hardy competition.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Overwintering ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia is winter hardy through USDA hardiness zone 6.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of hardy
Adjective
  • Mercury in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo, making opinions stronger, reactions quicker, and certain conversations easier to escalate than intended.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Fire officials had also failed to take advantage of satellite imagery after strong winds grounded their typical eyes in the sky, aircraft.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • Next, save 30% on the JBL Grip Bluetooth speaker for rugged outdoor sound.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
  • International Harvester built the original Scout from 1961 to 1980, establishing its reputation as a rugged, versatile vehicle for off-road and everyday use.
    — Chase Jordan October 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • Now, Germino says her social media presence is all about giving other patients going through the same tough decision an example of someone who’s thriving after the procedure.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's administration is about to start tough budget negotiations against a backdrop of division and economic turmoil.
    — Chloe Taylor,Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Its government, dominated by hardened veterans of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and largely indifferent to the suffering of the Iranian population, appears determined to fight on.
    — RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Severe neuropathy can dull the sensation of excessive pressure, raising injury risk, and advanced lymphedema with hardened swelling calls for medical advice first.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of hardened
Adjective
  • By the late 1500s, the once vigorous Ming was severely eroding.
    — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is in the fight of her political life, facing a vigorous challenge from City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a savvy campaigner who was until recently a close ally.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of vigorous
Adjective
  • The Bearcats, however, can’t stay down for long as a stout Arlington Bowie squad comes calling.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Some columns are short and stout, while others are tall – the tallest is 13 feet.
    — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stout

Browse Nearby Words

hardbacks
hard-bitten
hard-boiled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard-bitten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hard-bitten. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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