Entry Word: tough

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 not easily chewed <her steak was so tough that she suggested the waiter use it as a hockey puck>

Synonyms chewy, leathery

Related Words fibrous, gristly, sinewy, stringy; brittle, crunchy, hard

Near Antonyms mushy, soft

Antonyms tender

2 able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure <this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters> — see hardy 1
3 difficult to endure <tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long> — see harsh 1
4 requiring considerable physical or mental effort <even though I studied for it, it's still a tough exam> — see hard 2
5 requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling <handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat> — see tricky