toughen

verb

tough·​en ˈtə-fən How to pronounce toughen (audio)
toughened; toughening ˈtə-fə-niŋ How to pronounce toughen (audio)
ˈtəf-niŋ
Synonyms of toughennext

intransitive verb

: to become tough

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pan made national headlines during his time in Legislature for leading the state’s efforts to toughen school vaccine requirements. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech firms, urging or forcing them to adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating ​nude images taken on mobile phones. Paul Sandle, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones. Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 Many of them urged the shah to toughen up and crack down harder on protesters. Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for toughen

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of toughen was in 1582

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Cite this Entry

“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toughen. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

toughen

verb
tough·​en ˈtəf-ən How to pronounce toughen (audio)
toughened; toughening ˈtəf-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce toughen (audio)
: to make or become tough

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