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.

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

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

His witty, thoughtful verses broadened the scope of hip-hop with stories about treating your mother with respect and catching your girlfriend cheating with the postman, alongside hard-hitting lyrics about social deprivation and immigration.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

The Detroit Pistons transformed from one of the NBA’s worst teams to the Eastern Conference leader by adopting a hard-hitting, trash-talking style.

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