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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshened
  1. strengthened
  2. stiffened
Verb
  • With more housing near transit comes less reliance on cars, more pedestrian-friendly development, cleaner air and strengthened commercial corridors.
    — Bennett Lawson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The programme’s delivery schedule was strengthened earlier this year through a contractual amendment between Fincantieri and OCCAR.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of strengthened
Verb
  • The Chiefs’ defense stiffened and Indy faced a fourth-and-8 from the 15-yard line.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But after a quick touchdown drive to take a 34-27 lead, the Oregon defense stiffened, and closed out the win with back-to-back stops.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 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

harshen
harshened
harshening
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Cite this Entry

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

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