harshening

verb

present participle of harshen
as in strengthening
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 harshening
  1. strengthening
  2. stiffening
Verb
  • Nathan created an atmosphere of tension that backfired spectacularly by wedging a distance between himself and his deckhands and strengthening the bond between Joe and Cooper.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Better lineage improves simulation quality, which produces better model behavior, which generates better outcomes and richer feedback, strengthening governance by exposing the gaps previous cycles missed.
    — Richard Clough, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of strengthening
Verb
  • Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and the like will help keep your robe soft and absorbent as these formulas could break down the fabric, leave behind fabric-stiffening residue, or cause pilling and other concerns.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of stiffening
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

harshened
harshening
harshens
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Cite this Entry

“Harshening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshening. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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