Definitions

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.

Last June, a BBC Spotlight investigation heard hard hitting testimonies from women who'd suffered severe post-partum psychosis and post-natal depression and who'd been cared for without their babies with them.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Sabalenka is renowned for her hard hitting, powerful serve, aggressive style of play and mental steel, but warned her rivals that she sees "so many things" that she can do better.

From Barron's • Oct. 15, 2025

“An exceptional hard hitting linebacker, Bob Babich made his mark in Oxford as one of the best in the country,” National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2022

“Extremely disappointing from the woman’s mag that historically has done more hard hitting reporting and taken stands than most,” Clara Jeffery, the editor of Mother Jones magazine, wrote on Twitter.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2020

Nelson raised his long pole and shoved hard, hitting the wall above the nest so dust rained down on the dark, quiet hens.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver