Synonyms of toughen

toughen

verb

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

• strengthen
• harden
• fortify
• beef (up)
• temper
• invigorate
• anneal
• tone (up)
• energize
• vitalize
• firm (up)
• restrengthen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weaken
• hurt
• impair
• cripple
• injure
• paralyze
• harm
• damage
• debilitate
• enervate
• enfeeble
• undermine
• incapacitate
• break down
• wear out
• undercut
• sap

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

• strengthen
• harden
• fortify
• adjust
• inure
• steel
• bolster
• adapt
• season
• reinforce
• acclimate
• indurate
• enforce
• invigorate
• temper
• brace
• vitalize
• acclimatize
• anneal
• reenforce
• immunize
• buttress
• accustom
• boost
• condition
• habituate
• break in
• support
• prop (up)
• train
• naturalize
• forearm
• limber (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soften
• weaken
• exhaust
• emasculate
• sap
• cripple
• incapacitate
• hamstring
• sensitize
• enfeeble
• enervate
• debilitate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strengthen
• stiffen
• harden
• harshen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ease
• lessen
• soften
• ameliorate
• moderate