tough-minded

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 the 1970s, when they won their only two NBA titles, the Knicks were known as a "blue-collar, hard-working, tough-minded team," according to Adam Criblez, author of a book on the squad.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Although the title character creates plenty of speed bumps in the lives of the men and women in Gina Gionfriddo’s tough-minded dark comedy “Becky Shaw,” the terrain was rough to begin with.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

G DeShawn Harris-Smith, Maryland, 6-5, 215: Heralded as a tough-minded and fearless player, the stat-sheet stuffer from Woodbridge, Virginia, led his team to the state title last season.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2023

How does a person whom Time called "a tough-minded man who has long shown an abundance of intellectual and physical resiliency" wind up on a window ledge?

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2023

“Nobody can change that much,” said Brinker in his new tough-minded way.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles