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

Annoying, there is no hard-and-fast answer given in the report.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

It’s not a hard-and-fast rule because that would be wrong too.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

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