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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of toughen Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech firms, urging or forcing them to adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones. — Paul Sandle, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones. — Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 Many of them urged the shah to toughen up and crack down harder on protesters. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 Subaru sharpened it, toughened it and elevated it. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for toughen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen

Verb

Rohlfing has also pledged to strengthen core county services, including public safety, infrastructure and public works, while promoting a more business-friendly environment to attract and retain employers.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
The local manufacturing requirement is intended to strengthen Greece’s domestic defence sector while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers over the long term.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

Definition of strengthen

Verb

As many Americans have soured on the country in the wake of its brutal campaign in Gaza, Maher’s views have only hardened.

— Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026
This is when end-to-end transactions start to take real shape, as collaboration standards harden, legal frameworks get worked out and enterprises rebuild their systems for agents instead of humans.

— Nirmal Mukhi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of harden

Verb

Older dogs stiffen up, scratch more, lose a step, and their owners want to help.

— Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Graham's aorta, at 71, tore, a dissection along a wall stiffened by decades of what the medical examiner called arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

— Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026