tough love
noun
: love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior
Examples of tough love in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Isaac doled out tough love and unwavering support in equal doses.
—
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
Judy Walker Judy is Annie's mother, exhibiting tough love when needed.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Helen looks to guide, and occasionally push, her daughter through London’s social season, applying tough love when necessary.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
And to be fair, Cronin has often used his tough love with great success, turning marginal players into good ones.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
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Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
Judy Walker Judy is Annie's mother, exhibiting tough love when needed.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Helen looks to guide, and occasionally push, her daughter through London’s social season, applying tough love when necessary.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
And to be fair, Cronin has often used his tough love with great success, turning marginal players into good ones.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tough love
Cite this Entry
“Tough love.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough%20love. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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