Synonyms of harshen

harshen

verb

ˈhär-shən 

as in to strengthen

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe

recent changes to the drunk driving laws harshen penalties for repeat offenders

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strengthen
• stiffen
• harden
• toughen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ease
• lessen
• ameliorate
• soften
• moderate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of harshen

The mayor's new legislative effort will also seek to harshen penalties for firearms and ghost guns, officials said Monday. — Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 15 May 2023

Seven Memphis police officers were fired in the wake of Nichols' death, which sparked national uproar and harshened the spotlight on police brutality. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 4 May 2023

Unfortunately, the film only takes a cursory, superficial glance at this societal malady, as if a deeper dive would harshen the mellow of its romantic comedy. — Odie Henderson, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2022

As time goes on, more voters could harshen their view of Biden, as all of these problems are under his tent now. — Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, 24 Feb. 2021

The impetus for the line came not just from the rise of the ingredient-conscious consumer, but also in response to the ever-harshening realities of modern life. — Rebecca Dancer, Allure, 13 Dec. 2019

Protests by tens of thousands before the election and on the eve of his inauguration lead to legislation harshening penalties for unauthorized political protests. — Fox News, 18 Mar. 2018