a forceful and uncompromising approach to a situation, especially in business or politics, a variation of baseball played with a smaller ball and on a smaller field

Formal and Informal Expressions of hardball

In different contexts, you can replace 'hardball' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'forceful approach, uncompromising tactics' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'tough tactics, pressure' is a commonplace synonym.

hardball: Explore its Definition & Usage

hardball Definition

1a forceful and uncompromising approach to a situation, especially in business or politics
2a variation of baseball played with a smaller ball and on a smaller field

Using hardball: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hardball" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company is playing hardball with the union over the new contract.
Example
The politician decided to play hardball with his opponents during the debate.
Example
We used to play hardball in the backyard when we were kids.

hardball Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hardball

pressure
intimidation
tough tactics
uncompromising approach

Idioms Using hardball

play hardball
to act in a forceful and uncompromising way to achieve one's goals
Example
The boss decided to play hardball with the employees during the salary negotiations.

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Summary: hardball in Brief

The term 'hardball' [hahrd-bawl] refers to a forceful and uncompromising approach to a situation, especially in business or politics. It can also refer to a variation of baseball played with a smaller ball and on a smaller field. An example of its use in a sentence is 'The company is playing hardball with the union over the new contract.' The idiom 'play hardball' means to act in a forceful and uncompromising way to achieve one's goals.