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
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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
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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
Under Merz, Germany has also taken steps to toughen its immigration system to reduce the number of asylum-seekers entering the country.
—
Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
But the Chinese have been toughened by prior experience with capricious and authoritarian-minded governments.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
Just as skin can be toughened through manual labour, so the brain can be rewired to plough through difficulty.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
This is largely driven by toughening European Union carbon dioxide restrictions aimed at gradually and relentlessly outlawing the sale of new sedans and SUVs powered by internal combustion engines by 2035.
—Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
But the Chinese have been toughened by prior experience with capricious and authoritarian-minded governments.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
Just as skin can be toughened through manual labour, so the brain can be rewired to plough through difficulty.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
This is largely driven by toughening European Union carbon dioxide restrictions aimed at gradually and relentlessly outlawing the sale of new sedans and SUVs powered by internal combustion engines by 2035.
—Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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According to the 2024 People’s Climate Vote, 80% of people globally want their countries to strengthen climate commitments, and over two-thirds support a fast transition from fossil fuels.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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At Go Behavioral, a team strengthened by BCBA, clinical psychologists, and RBT professionals helps children work on developing skills by breaking them down into small, manageable steps, which are then reinforced consistently.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
Verb
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Democratic policies regarding immigration have evolved as attitudes, even among Latinos, have hardened after record border crossings during former President Joe Biden‘s administration.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2025
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Now, your union advised agricultural employers to harden work sites.—
A Martínez,
NPR,
13 June 2025
Verb
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The competition has definitely stiffened, after all.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 June 2025
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The defense stiffened, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs to set up Chris Callahan’s game-winning 28-yard kick.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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