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
Cliff uses tough love to teach his son that hard work is instrumental to prospering in life.
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Laura Bradley, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2025
Moreover, a policy of tough love toward allies could turn into mutually destructive hostility, and a superpower that regularly coerces its friends could wreck the soft power that lubricates key relationships.
—Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Madea leads the family from chaos to healing with her humor and unfiltered tough love.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
During the July 20 episode of Den of Kings — hosted by gospel icon Kirk Franklin — Perry joined Jeezy and Derrick Hayes for a conversation that touched on legacy and tough love.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
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Laura Bradley, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2025
Moreover, a policy of tough love toward allies could turn into mutually destructive hostility, and a superpower that regularly coerces its friends could wreck the soft power that lubricates key relationships.
—Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Madea leads the family from chaos to healing with her humor and unfiltered tough love.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
During the July 20 episode of Den of Kings — hosted by gospel icon Kirk Franklin — Perry joined Jeezy and Derrick Hayes for a conversation that touched on legacy and tough love.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
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 22 Aug. 2025.
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