harshened

verb

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
  1. strengthened
  2. stiffened
Verb
  • These same advantages have strengthened Washington’s ability to shape global legal norms.
    — Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In 2023, Anduril expanded into rocket propulsion with the acquisition of Adranos and strengthened its aircraft capabilities by acquiring Blue Force Technologies, whose designs became the basis for the Fury autonomous fighter aircraft.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthened
Verb
  • Dogs that have stiffened up with age get an advanced joint-support chew with glucosamine, MSM, and collagen.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • Graham's aorta, at 71, tore, a dissection along a wall stiffened by decades of what the medical examiner called arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
    — Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of stiffened
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.

Browse Nearby Words

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harshened
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Cite this Entry

“Harshened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshened. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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