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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In an era of instant answers, strengthening critical thinking means resisting automation.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026 -
While strengthening the midfield is a priority, United want a defensive leader and will be weighing up their options for what’s likely to be a four-man defence now Ruben Amorim has departed.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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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These include stiffening of blood vessels, changes in heart muscle function and impaired ability of the cardiovascular system to respond to exertion.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
16 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Harshening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshening. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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