tough 1 of 2

1
as in brittle
not easily chewed her steak was so tough that she suggested the waiter use it as a hockey puck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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tough

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tough different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tough are stalwart, stout, strong, sturdy, and tenacious. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

When can stalwart be used instead of tough?

The words stalwart and tough can be used in similar contexts, but stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would stout be a reasonable alternative to tough?

The words stout and tough are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When could strong be used to replace tough?

The meanings of strong and tough largely overlap; however, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for tough?

Although the words sturdy and tough have much in common, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When is tenacious a more appropriate choice than tough?

While in some cases nearly identical to tough, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tough
Adjective
Duterte’s tough approach on drugs prompted strong criticism from opposition lawmakers who launched a probe into the killings. Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 And now there’s a public referendum if Riley, at 80, can retool a roster that sputtered through a tough year because, again, their best player quit on them? Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
Noun
By the numbers Gary Klein’s prediction The NFC West rival Rams and the Seahawks always play each other tough. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2023 Shots of Phoenix running from street toughs in his clown outfit are intercut with his social worker breaking up with him. Dan Brooks, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2019 See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
  • Effortless, beachy waves that stay soft and bouncy, not brittle.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 May 2025
  • During the early months of COVID, companies discovered the hard way just how brittle their global supply chains were.
    Rob Day, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s also loaded with features like USB passthrough and a sturdy wrist rest.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 1 May 2025
  • Best Minimalist Pick: Kuru Flex Via Kuru may specialize in sturdy, supportive shoes—but that doesn’t mean all of its pairs feel clunky.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • So, designing the model's apparent personality to be positive and supportive makes sense—people are less likely to use an AI that comes off as harsh or dismissive.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Wash your hair gently, moisturize regularly with scalp-friendly products, and avoid scratching or harsh brushing.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rust, a difficult movie to release, grossed $25k at 115 theaters, presented by Falling Forward Films.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 May 2025
  • Surace 39-37 Round 3 - These are difficult to score.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Trump administration – with Musk and his aides as the tip of the spear – have roiled the federal government with mass layoffs and demands for access to sensitive information at agencies including the Social Security Administration and the National Labor Relations Board.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Let the paste sit for 30 minutes. Rinse away thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Method 4: For Acrylic Tubs Acrylic tubs require specific cleaners because of how sensitive the material is.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • For those that don’t know, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7 Years is a traditional Kentucky bourbon adhering to strict requirements—100 proof, aged at least four years and produced in a single distilling season.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Oral arguments will be heard in the landmark case on Wednesday, pitting claims of religious freedom against efforts to maintain strict separation of church and state.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The story focuses on two figures, a school principal and a thug.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Resist this madness before the unhinged, heartless bully and his spellbound thugs shred our Constitution and our future.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The leathery green leaves of wintergreen contrast well with its white flowers in summer, followed by bright red berries in fall.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Pour Femme spotlights a lilac accord, while leathery, woody Pour Homme features juniper oil and orange flower absolute.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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