tough 1 of 2

1
as in brittle
not easily chewed her steak was so tough that she suggested the waiter use it as a hockey puck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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tough

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tough different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tough are stalwart, stout, strong, sturdy, and tenacious. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

When can stalwart be used instead of tough?

The words stalwart and tough can be used in similar contexts, but stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would stout be a reasonable alternative to tough?

The words stout and tough are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When could strong be used to replace tough?

The meanings of strong and tough largely overlap; however, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for tough?

Although the words sturdy and tough have much in common, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When is tenacious a more appropriate choice than tough?

While in some cases nearly identical to tough, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tough
Adjective
Leaves harvested after flowering may be tough and bitter. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025 Yermak’s been a pivotal conduit for Ukraine in negotiating with the U.S. and its European allies, particularly in pushing for tougher sanctions on Russia. Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
By the numbers Gary Klein’s prediction The NFC West rival Rams and the Seahawks always play each other tough. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2023 Shots of Phoenix running from street toughs in his clown outfit are intercut with his social worker breaking up with him. Dan Brooks, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2019 See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
  • In the summertime, higher temperatures and exposure to the elements can leave hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Adding to Taiwan’s energy insecurity is the fact that its power grid, while cost-effective, is also brittle.
    Jim Ellis, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • The immolation of the Bronx was all the more staggering because, a generation before, it had been filled with upwardly mobile residents in sturdy homes.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • For five rounds, Chimaev rag-dolled a massive and sturdy champion in Dricus Du Plessis en route to a decisive victory (50-44 x3).
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The report didn’t elaborate on that treatment but studies and surveys have previously highlighted the military’s notoriously harsh conditions.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
  • After weeks of acrimony, concern and harsh statements, the dispute over who will control the River Forest Civic Center building at 8020 W. Madison seems to be headed toward a resolution.
    Bob Skolnik, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This deep understanding of local transportation patterns would have been difficult with rapid multi-city expansion.
    Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But even though scientists have been able to discover thousands of planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system in recent years, including some around Proxima Centauri, which is fairly a dim star, it's been difficult to go planet-hunting around Alpha Centauri A and B, which orbit each other.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Federated Learning: This privacy-preserving technique allows AI models to learn from decentralized data across games and platforms without compromising user privacy, enhancing moderation without centralizing sensitive data.
    Anees Ali Khan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • They are also believed to degrade water quality, which can hurt sensitive organisms like freshwater mussels.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Although House rules allow members of Congress to provide gifts to other members, there is strict guidance on the appearance of impropriety and required disclosures.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • In addition to broadening Opinel's appeal in jurisdictions with strict regulations on locking knives, the Opiflex mechanism is designed to streamline blade opening and closing for fast, intuitive knife use.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Peace isn’t easy to come by, though the motorcycle thugs who swing by to bully the locals and squeeze money out of the businesses don’t offer much resistance.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
  • As the ship prepared to leave port, the G men arrived, handcuffed the thug and dragged him away.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The flowers, which are shaped like a snapping turtle’s head, are held on erect stems flanked with leathery green leaves.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
  • The leathery green leaves of wintergreen contrast well with its white flowers in summer, followed by bright red berries in fall.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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