toughen

verb

tough·​en ˈtə-fən 

toughened; toughening ˈtə-fə-niŋ 

ˈtəf-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make tough

intransitive verb

: to become tough

Synonyms of toughen

• strengthen
• harden

Examples of toughen in a Sentence

The government is toughening antidrug laws.

weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours

Recent Examples on the Web

Zelensky implores world leaders to toughen pressure on Russia as escalating missile and drone barrages pound Kyiv and other cities, killing civilians despite years of sanctions and diplomatic isolation. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Italy also temporarily toughened controls on travel from the country. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

The remaining states — including the swing states of Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina — have measures for this fall's general election that would toughen ID requirements for voters. — Benjamin Swasey, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026

Greece’s conservative government has been toughening its migration policies. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for toughen

• muffin

Kids Definition

toughen

verb

tough·​en ˈtəf-ən 

toughened; toughening ˈtəf-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become tough