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.

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

"There are hard-hitting moments but in the end I want it to give people hope and joy."

From BBC • May 12, 2026

The hard-hitting Netflix series is up for seven prizes on Sunday night, while sitcom Amandaland has four nominations in the comedy categories.

From BBC • May 9, 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

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

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller