Thesaurus

tough

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of tough

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 not easily chewed

her steak was so tough that she suggested the waiter use it as a hockey puck

Synonyms for tough

Words Related to tough

cardboardy

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mushy,
soft

Antonyms for tough

tender

2 able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure

this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters

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Antonyms for tough

3 difficult to endure

tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long

Synonyms for tough

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Antonyms for tough

4 requiring considerable physical or mental effort

even if you study for it, it's still a tough exam

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Antonyms for tough

5 requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling

handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat

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Near Antonyms for tough

6 given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

a tough supervisor who docked the pay of anyone who punched in late, no matter what the reason

Synonyms for tough

Words Related to tough

dour,
gruff

Near Antonyms for tough

Antonyms for tough

tough

noun

Synonyms of tough (Entry 2 of 2)

a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang

didn't want her son hanging out with the neighborhood toughs

Synonyms for tough

Words Related to tough

Frequently Asked Questions About tough

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