tough love
noun
: love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior
Examples of tough love in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some viewed it as tough love, even if Hart never made his intentions known.
—
James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 3 June 2026
But practicing tough love on a kid who hasn’t quite mastered bouncing back from challenges, is not quite the same as building resilience.
—Parents, 30 May 2026
In a display of tough love, Anne kicks her out, urging her to trust her motherly instincts and not doubt herself.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Sometimes, that translates to a bit of tough love.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tough love
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James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 3 June 2026
But practicing tough love on a kid who hasn’t quite mastered bouncing back from challenges, is not quite the same as building resilience.
—Parents, 30 May 2026
In a display of tough love, Anne kicks her out, urging her to trust her motherly instincts and not doubt herself.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Sometimes, that translates to a bit of tough love.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tough love
Cite this Entry
“Tough love.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough%20love. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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