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
  • But also for the bond that strengthened between coach and quarterback.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Daily cheers for health care professionals and essential workers honored the people who sustained the city and strengthened the bonds between residents.
    — Robert W. Snyder, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of strengthened
Verb
  • Bile rose in Evie’s throat and her body stiffened under his touch.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The possible move, unthinkable for legacy studios but in keeping with exits by businesses in other sectors, has only stiffened opposition to the merger in some corners.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Aug. 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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