as in strengthening
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 harshening
Verb
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The airline says the new and expanded routes reflect rising demand for Florida travel, particularly between the West Coast and Palm Beach, and reinforce its long-term commitment to strengthening connectivity in high-growth markets.—
Skyler Shepard,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026 -
At the invitation-only Fortune COO Summit, taking place June 1–2 in Arizona, COOs from the nation’s largest companies will come together to examine how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping operating models, strengthening resilience, and enabling faster and smarter decision-making.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
23 Feb. 2026
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The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade, told us.—
Suzanne Lynch,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
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“Harshening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshening. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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