harshened

past tense of harshen
as in strengthened
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe recent changes to the drunk driving laws harshen penalties for repeat offenders

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshened
Verb
  • In recent days, after Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, Kainerugaba has strengthened his grip with a series of directives and orders usually reserved for the head of state.
    Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • The good news is that resilience can be strengthened long before a crisis occurs.
    Brian Henriquez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
  • Nicks on the edge or stiffened, curled rubber will leave streaks.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Harshened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshened. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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