1
2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in harsh
difficult to endure
tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
even if you study for it, it's still a tough exam
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5
as in sensitive
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in strict
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in thug
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
didn't want her son hanging out with the neighborhood toughs
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tough
David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Saturday starts a very tough stretch for CU as the 2025 season begins to look more like ’23 than the bowl season of ’24.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Holly Jones, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024
Standout features: Extension for high ceilings, foldable, lightweight Have high ceilings and other tough to reach spaces?
—Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
Voting with Republicans This month, Gray was one of 17 Democrats to join Republicans in passing a defense bill that included tough restrictions on transgender people.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Saturday starts a very tough stretch for CU as the 2025 season begins to look more like ’23 than the bowl season of ’24.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
When a set of tortuous toughs relocate to the neighborhood, his temperament shifts and the scenes increasingly unravel the inner workings of his shaken psyche.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024
Standout features: Extension for high ceilings, foldable, lightweight Have high ceilings and other tough to reach spaces?
—Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
-
Agapanthus roots are fleshy and somewhat brittle.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Hidden behind a large flowerpot with a single withered flower, the windows are covered over by a grayish-yellow curtain, brittle with lager fumes.—
Zuzana Říhová,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
No matter what someone’s day entails, a sturdy tote bag is sure to come in handy.—
L. Daniela Alvarez,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Sep. 2025
-
If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The National Nuclear Security Administration funds the sensors, which undergo rigorous shock, vibration, thermal vacuum, and prompt X-ray testing to survive launch and the harsh space environment.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, try not to use any harsh cleaners or a really abrasive solution that may damage the surface.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have argued that travel to Moshannon is far more difficult for members of the defense team based in Nashville, and not easier for those in New York.—
Christine Valora,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Sep. 2025
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Senator Collins has proven in the past to be able to win in very difficult environments, 2008 being an example of that.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Windows 11 Pro gives you BitLocker encryption, Smart App Control, and biometric login support to help safeguard sensitive information.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Phishing scams often use convincing logos and language to trick you into revealing sensitive information.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The therapy will debut at Relive Health’s Stuart, Florida location, thanks to recent updates in Florida’s regulatory framework allowing advanced stem cell treatments under strict medical oversight.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
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The weddings are planned by celebrity event stylist Slomique Hawrylo and adhere to a strict budget.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Girls were there and there were guys that were really extra on some thug, some goon sh*t.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
29 Sep. 2025
-
We’re then introduced to Louie, a thug who works for a loan shark, threatening and killing people.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Inside the leathery shell, clusters of pomegranate seeds shine like ruby prisms.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
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An initial jolt of spicy pink pepper dissipates to reveal a rose dripping in honeyed, ambery sweetness, while its leathery base adds strength, dimension, and something a little bit naughty to this fruity-floral triumph of a scent.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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