Definitions

hard-and-fast

[hahrd-n-fast, -fahst] / ˈhɑrd nˈfæst, -ˈfɑst /

ADJECTIVE

strict

Synonyms

WEAK

absolute binding carved in stone compulsory conclusive decisive dictated exacting final inflexible irrevocable mandatory set set in concrete unalterable unbending written

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.

That’s not because the travel industry has a hard-and-fast rule about when to buy flights, but because the loosely understood best practice of a one-to-three-month advance window for nonholiday travel hasn’t arrived yet.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

There are no hard-and-fast rules about when a place name or other traditional description attached to a product becomes generic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

This is why the broadcast limit is not really a hard-and-fast limit.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

I’m not necessarily sold on hard-and-fast rules when it comes to age; it also depends on your risk tolerance, expected longevity and how long you intend to work.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

He wasn’t baby-cute anymore, and it was a hard-and-fast rule that prospective parents wanted babies.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway

hard-and-fast

Example Sentences

Related Words