hard-shelled

ADJECTIVE

hard-boiled

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hard-nosed

WEAK

callous firm hard as nails hard-line headstrong inflexible obdurate obstinate rough stern strict unbending unfeeling

ADJECTIVE

tough

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desperate fierce hard hard-nosed harsh narrow resolute severe stern stiff strict terrible

STRONG

adamant firm refractory savage

WEAK

arbitrary callous confirmed cruel drastic exacting ferocious fixed hard-bitten hard-boiled hard-line headstrong immutable inflexible intractable merciless obdurate pugnacious ruffianly ruthless stubborn taut unalterable unbending uncompromising uncontrollable unforgiving unmanageable unyielding vicious violent

Antonyms

STRONGEST

amenable easy flexible pliable pliant tolerant uncertain yielding

WEAK

controllable delicate fragile tender

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.

Loggerhead turtles have large heads and powerful jaws, giving them the ability to feed on hard-shelled prey.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

As a result, roughly 3000 animals are currently duking it out over dwindling resources and may be forced to rely on hard-shelled prey.

From Science Magazine • May 15, 2024

The hunched, hard-shelled, butterscotch-colored nymphs that first emerge from the ground are easy to scoop up as they scurry.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

Their research, recently published in New Phytologist, unveils the genetic diversification and population history of this hard-shelled plant that was used to make bottles, instruments, and containers for over 10,000 years by ancient civilizations.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2024

He is named for the hard-shelled old man of the desert.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

hard-shelled

Example Sentences

Related Words