toughen
verb
\
, ˈtəf-niŋ \
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Synonyms & Antonyms for toughen
Synonyms
beef (up), fortify, harden, strengthen
Antonyms
debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, weaken
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Examples of toughen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That includes toughening up the federal Toxic Substances Control Act and regulatory mandates for the EPA itself in 2016. — Ellen Knickmeyer, The Seattle Times, "White House called toxins contamination ‘PR nightmare’," 14 Aug. 2018 A year ago, the Security Council voted to toughen sanctions, a result of months of intense U.S. diplomatic pressure to isolate North Korea for its nuclear tests. — Jessica Donati, WSJ, "U.S., Russia Clash at U.N. as Lavrov Calls for Easing of North Korea Sanctions," 27 Sep. 2018 Robin Walker, the Worcester representative in Parliament, said lawmakers are considering toughening sentences for people convicted of any type of intentional assault with acid. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "Father of 3-year-old UK boy charged in apparent acid attack, due in court with 5 other suspects," 28 Aug. 2018 About 90% of that output is used, typically in tiny amounts, to toughen steel for bridges and skyscrapers. — Rhiannon Hoyle, WSJ, "Vanadium Is Used to Strengthen Steel and China Can’t Get Enough of It," 27 Dec. 2018 Here is French President Macron this week addressing Congress on the need to toughen the Iran nuclear deal. — Fox News, "John Bolton on push to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons," 29 Apr. 2018 The Trump administration and congressional leaders have sought European agreement on ways to toughen the deal, and such agreement is considered essential before U.S. legislation could go forward. — Anne Gearan, Washington Post, "Treasury secretary says new Iran sanctions are coming as administration faces another deadline on nuclear deal," 11 Jan. 2018 Vote Vets ads tout Baldwin’s work since the Tomah scandal to toughen opioid prescription guidelines. — Fredreka Schouten, USA TODAY, "Exclusive: Secret money funds more than 40% of outside congressional ads," 12 July 2018 With Republicans now controlling both Houses, the big initial Farm Bill controversy has been over the GOP’s desire (lashed along by the Trump administration) to toughen SNAP’s already significant work requirements. — Ed Kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Farm Bill Defeated in House Over Food Stamp and Immigration Issues," 18 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'toughen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for toughen
toughen
verb
English Language Learners Definition of toughen
See the full definition for toughen in the English Language Learners Dictionary
toughen
verb
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Kids Definition of toughen
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