Antonyms for hardnosed


Grammar : Adj
Spell : hahrd-nohzd
Phonetic Transcription : ˈhɑrdˌnoʊzd


Definition of hardnosed

Origin :
  • "stubborn," 1927, from hard + nose (n.). Earlier of bullets or shells with hard tips, and of dogs that had difficulty following a scent. Not in common use before 1950s, when it begins to be used of tough or relentless characters generally (Damon Runyon characters, U.S. Marines, Princeton professors, etc.). Soft-nosed seems to have been used only of bullets.
  • As in mean : adj hostile, rude
  • As in obdurate : adj pigheaded, stubborn
  • As in ornery : adj mean
  • As in perverse : adj mean, ornery; troublesome
  • As in severe : adj uncompromising, stern
  • As in stern : adj serious, authoritarian
  • As in stringent : adj rigid, tight
  • As in strong : adj determined, resolute
  • As in tough : adj obstinate, rough
  • As in unyielding : adj steadfast, resolute
  • As in hardheaded : adj stubborn
  • As in hard-nosed : adj tough and shrewd
  • As in tough-minded : adj realistic
  • As in adamant : adj unyielding
  • As in contemptuous : adj arrogant, insolent
  • As in dogged : adj determined, persistent
  • As in hard-boiled : adj tough
  • As in hard-line : adj firm
  • As in hard-nosed/hardheaded : adj stubborn
  • As in harsh : adj nasty, abusive
  • As in headstrong : adj stubborn
  • As in immovable : adj fixed, stubborn

Synonyms for hardnosed

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019