as in strengthens
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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshens
Verb
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Barbell Deadlift Deadlifting strengthens the glutes along with the entire posterior chain (the interconnected muscles that run up the backside of your body).—
Jenessa Connor,
Health,
10 June 2026 -
The geopolitical backdrop strengthens the operator’s case.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Golden State’s schedule stiffens with an upcoming trip to New York and Indiana.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
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The rings arise because the metal softens as the can compresses, then stiffens, then compresses and stiffens again, repeating the pattern until the compression is complete—akin to something called homoclinic snaking.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Harshens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshens. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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