harshening

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshening
Verb
  • The Corps proposed strengthening the bank by implementing riprap, or rocks.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • According to the National Weather Service, a strengthening cold front is making its way across the country toward Nashville.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Look for signs like the cat stopping purring, stiffening, thrashing their tail, or hissing.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Afterwards, a squaring solution—a powdery mixture of water and a gel-like batter used in the decorative cake business—is applied to the inside of the hat’s crown to act as a stiffening agent.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Harshening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshening. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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