1
2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in harsh
difficult to endure
tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long
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4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
even if you study for it, it's still a tough exam
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5
as in sensitive
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat
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6
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a tough supervisor who docked the pay of anyone who punched in late, no matter what the reason
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in bully
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
didn't want her son hanging out with the neighborhood toughs
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tough
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Published in 2000, this book may seem too new to be a classic, but Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Honor winner still touches readers of all ages for its quirky cast and gentle approach to tough themes.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Cazale played the title character, an older man who becomes lost in Manhattan and is harassed by two young toughs, one of whom was portrayed by Pacino.
—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
Canada thus dodged a tougher opponent and a hostile environment.
—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Published in 2000, this book may seem too new to be a classic, but Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Honor winner still touches readers of all ages for its quirky cast and gentle approach to tough themes.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Noun
The gangland drama is deeper and darker than the domestic one, strengthened by the unexpected portrayal of the Russian toughs as bumbling in their own way.
—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Cazale played the title character, an older man who becomes lost in Manhattan and is harassed by two young toughs, one of whom was portrayed by Pacino.
—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
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Oleander is a summer stunner in USDA hardiness zones 8 and above with dozens of fragrant blooms set against dark green, leathery leaves.
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The look embodied dark punk sensibility, with a monochrome black color scheme, leathery gloves and strapless, structured bodice, among other details.
Adjective
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
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While linen and silk are light and airy, some occasions call for a sturdier yet equally breathable option.
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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Aviation experts said those conditions would have been difficult to navigate that evening when the helicopter, a Robinson R66, crashed in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area.
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But traffic on the waterway remains a fraction of pre-war levels with different authorities vying to organize the transit of vessels, leaving operators with a difficult choice over which path to take.
Adjective
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Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
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So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
Adjective
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California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
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In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Noun
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What begins as a chance to escape the routine of his everyday life quickly spirals into a dangerous gathering of powerful criminals, old enemies, and unresolved loyalties.
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That creates the perfect opening for criminals.
Adjective
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In the days leading up to his show, Chavarria and his team were hard at work in his make-shift studio in the 6th arrondissement.
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Closing a chapter, not the relationships For Sevy, the hardest part is closing this chapter with the people who made the place feel like home.
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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