as in strengthened
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
recent changes to the drunk driving laws harshen penalties for repeat offenders
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshened
Verb
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Despite being in Fort Worth for just one season, Suarez already holds a tight connection to the Fort Worth community that was only strengthened by the fan support at GameDay.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Mar. 2026 -
The inductees will be formally honored April 19 in East Lansing, recognized for careers that have shaped Michigan journalism and strengthened the role of a free press in public life.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Democrats in Congress stiffened their opposition to an appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, leading to a partial government shutdown.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 Feb. 2026
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As the Timberwolves’ defense stiffened, their shots finally started falling.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Harshened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshened. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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