toughen

verb

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

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.
Losing to the Dolphins (1-5) before the schedule toughens would’ve stretched the team’s losing streak to three games. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025 Elsewhere, Michael Kors and Bally paired their lace-ups with pleated trousers, but added treaded soles and extra buckles to toughen up the overall look. Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025 As the first Egyptian astronaut—and the first Arab and African woman in space—her career has been shaped by brutally early mornings, periods of total isolation, and even digital detoxes from social media to toughen her mental focus. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025 The schedule toughens after next week at Carolina, and now with Hill lost? Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 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 20 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on toughen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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