toughen

verb

tough·​en ˈtə-fən 

toughened; toughening ˈtə-fə-niŋ 

ˈtəf-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make tough

intransitive verb

: to become tough

Synonyms of toughen

• strengthen
• harden

Examples of toughen in a Sentence

The government is toughening antidrug laws.

weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours

Recent Examples on the Web

MacPherson will play Dugan, a Special Forces soldier toughened by years of combat, joining the film’s two leads. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Other states — including Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio — passed measures toughening identification requirements for voters, while California voted against such an effort. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Still, the rise of Reform UK has spurred the mainstream Labour and Conservative parties to toughen their stances on immigration. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Still, the rise of Reform UK has spurred the mainstream Labor and Conservative parties to toughen their stances on immigration. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for toughen

• muffin

Kids Definition

toughen

verb

tough·​en ˈtəf-ən 

toughened; toughening ˈtəf-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become tough