hard-hitting

[hahrd-hit-ing] / ˈhɑrdˈhɪt ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

forceful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compelling pithy

WEAK

ball of fire bullish cogent coming on strong commanding constraining convincing dominant dynamic dynamical effective electric elemental energetic forcible gutsy mighty persuasive potent powerful powerhouse puissa

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We have some hard-hitting journalism down here," he observed, highlighting a sign from Ella, who had come from Sunderland.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

Claude Lemieux, the four-time Stanley Cup champion known for his ferocious, hard-hitting style and clutch play in big games, has died.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

In a hard-hitting report on European competitiveness in 2024, Draghi called for a fundamental change of course by the bloc to stay in the race against the United States and China, notably through joint investments.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

The Detroit Pistons transformed from one of the NBA’s worst teams to the Eastern Conference leader by adopting a hard-hitting, trash-talking style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Before the war he had been an alert, hard-hitting, aggressive marketing executive.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller