1
as in to freeze
to become physically firm or solid
the glue begins to harden as soon as it is exposed to air
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2
as in to strengthen
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
pioneer women who had been hardened by years of living on the plains
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3
as in to toughen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
arm muscles that were hardened by all the years of casting and hauling his fishing nets
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4
as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
the government hardened restrictions on travel to and from the war-torn nation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harden
When butternut squash is ready to harvest, the skin will harden and cannot be pierced easily with a fingernail.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
All of it hardened the Mariners, preparing them for survival.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Another team hardens those that show promise, building in compliance and integration from the beginning.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Over time, this plaque buildup can lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harden
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
All of it hardened the Mariners, preparing them for survival.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Another team hardens those that show promise, building in compliance and integration from the beginning.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Over time, this plaque buildup can lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harden
Verb
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Simply assemble and bake according to the instructions before freezing.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
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As temperatures are forecast to plummet to as low as 21 degrees Fahrenheit, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued freeze warnings for parts of Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Oregon on Saturday and Sunday.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The United States and Australia on Monday unveiled a landmark agreement to boost critical minerals and rare earths projects, aiming to reduce reliance on China and strengthen defense and tech supply chains.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Oct. 2025
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With trust and engagement at an all-time low, companies need to help leaders strengthen human skills such as self-awareness, clear communication, and compassion.—
Rasmus Hougaard,
Harvard Business Review,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For every mention of the Chicago Bulls’ trek toward toughness, of their hopes to stiffen the chests in the building and ignite a defensive revamp, Okoro has been the footnote.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harden. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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