1
as in to freeze
to become physically firm or solid
the glue begins to harden as soon as it is exposed to air
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2
as in to strengthen
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
pioneer women who had been hardened by years of living on the plains
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3
as in to toughen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
arm muscles that were hardened by all the years of casting and hauling his fishing nets
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4
as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
the government hardened restrictions on travel to and from the war-torn nation
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Recent Examples of harden
In their study describing the findings, published in Ecology and Evolution, the authors argue that these later marks are brighter because male deer antlers have fully hardened and their rubs can expose more inner wood.
—
Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
Home hardening to the latest building codes includes structural changes such as replacing wood shingle roofs with roofing that is less flammable, such as tile; boxing eaves and replacing vents and windows.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
In the meantime, Trump’s efforts to push Powell out of his office could backfire, hardening the position of other Fed officials at a time when the president continues to push for lower rates.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
Slather on some clay, lay down, and bake until hardened.
—Devorah Lev-Tov, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harden
Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
Home hardening to the latest building codes includes structural changes such as replacing wood shingle roofs with roofing that is less flammable, such as tile; boxing eaves and replacing vents and windows.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
In the meantime, Trump’s efforts to push Powell out of his office could backfire, hardening the position of other Fed officials at a time when the president continues to push for lower rates.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
Slather on some clay, lay down, and bake until hardened.
—Devorah Lev-Tov, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harden
Verb
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Churchgoers can be seen either fleeing the sanctuary, sitting frozen in their seats or trying to reason with the intruders.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
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Locking or freezing your credit file will prevent your spouse from opening any new credit in your name.—
Heather L. Locus,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This increases demand for low-carbon products, stimulates decarbonisation and strengthens interest in DRI/HBI feedstock, which Ukraine can supply.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
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When people feel safe expressing themselves openly and honestly, trust is strengthened on both sides, and collaboration becomes more productive.—
Britney Porter,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
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Cream of tartar or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to help the meringue stiffen.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harden. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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