as in strengthens
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 harshens
Verb
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Murphy made a similar assertion in his Wednesday ruling, also claiming that the Supreme Court not immediately lifting the blocks on ending TPS for Haiti and Syria before justices hear those arguments strengthens his ruling.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Apr. 2026 -
Rounds of showers and thunderstorms will move throughout Hawaiiuntil Thursday morning but will pick up intensity on Thursday afternoon as the Kona storm strengthens.—
Dakota Smith,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The men’s Run 900 Ultra Black Shorts feature integrated Rheon technology, a reactive polymer that remains soft at rest but stiffens under pressure.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2026
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The woman—Rose, apparently—stiffens slightly.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Harshens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshens. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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