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
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
As the first Egyptian astronaut—and the first Arab and African woman in space—her career has been shaped by brutally early mornings, periods of total isolation, and even digital detoxes from social media to toughen her mental focus.
—
Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
The schedule toughens after next week at Carolina, and now with Hill lost?
—Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Sunny Hills’ schedule will toughen in the Lambda League but the Lancers are progressing.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
The European Commission president promised to toughen efforts against Russia and hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, in an annual speech that focused on defense and security.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
The schedule toughens after next week at Carolina, and now with Hill lost?
—Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Sunny Hills’ schedule will toughen in the Lambda League but the Lancers are progressing.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
The European Commission president promised to toughen efforts against Russia and hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, in an annual speech that focused on defense and security.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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Perhaps witnessing that transformation strengthens its usefulness to others.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Both coalitions align African foundations and businesses to coordinate investments, champion learning as an economic priority, and strengthen delivery through their influence and capabilities.—
Obiageli Ezekwesili,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Fertilization and pruning encourage new growth, which does not have time to harden off before cold temperatures set in.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The finale opens in the stillness that follows, grief hardening into vengeance.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The light stiffens and grabs hold of us.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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In real materials, large angles that could create bigger matrix weights also stiffen the input path, reducing motion at the output.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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