TOUGHEN Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

toughen

verb

ˈtə-fən

Definition of toughen

as in to strengthen

to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to harden

to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stiffen

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe attempts to toughen conditions under which waivers from military service would be permitted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of toughen Further back, Sasa Lukic will bring Premier League experience and toughen up the midfield with his strength in the tackle. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 But Reuters reported on Tuesday that many industry executives worry that without legislation future administrations may seek to overturn or toughen up the SEC's rules. — Hannah Lang, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 The order directs his administration to toughen air pollution evaluations, add noise restrictions and expand city bureaucrats’ authority to review water and electricity usage at data center facilities. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 Advertisement So, as now, many men followed the adage that when the going gets tough, the tough, well… toughen up. — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toughen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen

Verb

The National Weather Service said Tropical Storm Nolo would likely strengthen before closing in on the Big Island on Friday or Saturday.

— MEGAN JANETSKY, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
The company said the project is intended to strengthen its position in Europe’s automotive and electric mobility supply chain.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of strengthen

Verb

Brandon Fuentes of the University of Arizona’s department of psychiatry told Psychology Today that co-sleeping is associated with measurable health upsides, which means the trend is unlikely to harden into a blanket recommendation.

— Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Poland hardens its border Poland has also boosted its military preparedness.

— Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026