1
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
2
as in to harden
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Either toughen up or use a mixer.
—
Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
The group is exploring using other semiconductors, such as diamond, to toughen the transmitter.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Senegal’s president signed a law Monday that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—Aleksandar Furtula, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
The group is exploring using other semiconductors, such as diamond, to toughen the transmitter.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Senegal’s president signed a law Monday that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—Aleksandar Furtula, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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October 23 – November 21 An honest shift today strengthens what truly matters.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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Scorpio October 23 – November 21 An honest shift today strengthens what truly matters.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The dark forms of lunar maria, or lunar seas, will be easy to see with the naked eye, scarring the lunar surface where ancient lava flows once flooded networks of impact basins before hardening to form sweeping basaltic planes.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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The judges also said the district court’s ruling violated a 1996 federal law that hardened immigration enforcement and restricted judicial power on immigration.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Your Cardiovascular Health Can Improve Quickly Arteries naturally stiffen with age, which can raise your risk of heart attack and stroke.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
11 Apr. 2026
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The men’s Run 900 Ultra Black Shorts feature integrated Rheon technology, a reactive polymer that remains soft at rest but stiffens under pressure.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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