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.

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

Early signs suggested that “Iceman” would constitute a return to Drake’s tough-talking ways in the wake of his humiliating defeat, and indeed that’s largely what the album delivers over plush yet hard-hitting beats.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Meanwhile, Doherty is nominated for her portrayal of gang leader Mary Carr in Disney+'s Victorian thriller A Thousand Blows, and for playing a psychologist in Netflix's hard-hitting drama Adolescence.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

It’s that they’ve done it by transforming into the rudest, most hard-hitting, trash-talking team in professional basketball.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

A hard-hitting linebacker and captain on the football team who left the field and refused to return when a brawl erupted in his final high school game.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove