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
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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.
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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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Roach chose the more legal one, but not necessarily the smartest.—
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Fort Worth is at a crucial moment for growth and opportunity, Parker said, stressing the importance of leading with smart policies that ensure the city thrives into the future.—
Adjective
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When tragedy strikes on Michigan roads—when a car skids off an icy bend or a semi-truck barrels through a red light—victims are often left to face not only devastating injuries but also a daunting legal maze of corporate denials and stubborn insurers.—
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Get The Recipe Smart Move Similar recipes with beans and peas existed before then, but a challenge made to a stubborn chef named Helen Corbitt spurred the creation of Texas caviar.—
Adjective
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The daughter of a generous and pragmatic father who worked for the Internal Revenue Service and a mother who wore a suit of armor over a devastating diagnosis.—
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Many refugee writers demonstrate awareness of the fact that telling stories serves ends both personal and pragmatic, therapeutic and bureaucratic.—
Adjective
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Roseman had obtained the 10th pick via shrewd trades, then traded up one spot to get Carter.—
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He was roasted by his party for negotiating with local Democrats to give them a seat on the township board in exchange for keeping the GOP majority, a move that looks shrewd today.—
Adjective
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The chairman was adamant this bill can still pass by Johnson's goal of Memorial Day.—
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Valli remains adamant about the importance of fashion as escapism.—
Adjective
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The directors’ astute perception of (mis)communication between the sexes stems from her experience growing up with her parents, who stayed together for societal and financial reasons.—
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Only this time, a tactically astute coach is required.—
Adjective
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Shutting down all gas plants isn’t realistic, at least not yet; even California still depends on gas for one-third of its electricity.—
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On Thursday, Hutchinson was asked how realistic a return would’ve been.—
Adjective
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States warn there could be 'unprecedented chaos' Jeremy Feigenbaum, a lawyer representing the states challenging Trump's policy, stressed the practical problems of not having a national standard for citizenship while the executive order is being litigated.—
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But overall, this affordable bed frame offers a good mix of pleasant aesthetics and practical storage solutions.—
Cite this Entry
“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheaded. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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