Synonyms of leathery

leathery

adjective

ˈle-t͟hə-rē 

as in tough

not easily chewed

the leathery meat served in the cafeteria drove many of us to start bringing our own lunches

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tough
• brittle
• chewy
• fibrous
• stringy
• sinewy
• crunchy
• hard
• gristly
• cardboardy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tender
• soft
• mushy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of leathery

From there, the leathery red skin is easily peeled away (or popped out by squeezing from the opposite end) to reveal the fleshy white, glossy fruit that feels sort of like a grape without the peel. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2026

Most bats have soft fur, large ears, leathery wings stretched over long finger bones, and tiny, sharp teeth designed for catching insects or feeding on nectar and fruit. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2026

The affected tissue has a dark, leathery appearance and may be colonized by a bacteria giving it a black color. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

The flowers have thick, leathery petals that give the plant its common name and are visited by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 July 2026