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

Gonzaga’s record aside, Mark and his teammates believe navigating the SEC slate is what toughened them up and put this group in position to reach the Sweet 16 and perhaps beyond with a win over the favored Bulldogs. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026

Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community. —ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026

Iran’s president toughens tone Pezeshkian said Iran’s military response would only strengthen. —Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026

Iran’s president toughens tone In video comments Sunday, Pezeshkian said Iran’s military response would only strengthen. —Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 8 Mar. 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