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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tough
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
With a couple of frontcourt weapons back and room to grow offensively, Illinois looks to use this home game to fine-tune before tougher matchups arrive.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
The week of the offseason elections coincided with a tough week on Wall Street prompted by AI concerns.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
With a couple of frontcourt weapons back and room to grow offensively, Illinois looks to use this home game to fine-tune before tougher matchups arrive.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
The most nail-biting scene in the movie involves not a local tough but Claire, desperate in withdrawal, threatening to kidnap and kill the family dog if Kate doesn’t give her some money.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
-
The fruit can be dried and will have a sweeter flavor and chewy texture.—
Laura Simpson,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Opt for these chewy, chocolatey brown butter cookies.—
Macie Stump,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There's a lot of harsh words and harsh things that get said about people.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Applying it at the base of the plant before the first frost can protect the roots from harsh cold and keep the soil from freezing.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Jens generally chooses his words carefully, and is, what’s more, particularly reticent just after finishing a long and difficult winter delivery trip; what’s a person supposed to do with words in a blizzard anyway, up on a stormy heath and all directions lost?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In his first start in the wake of Beau Pribula’s significant injury, Zollers walked into a difficult situation, and his stat line reflected it.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Capping those rates could backfire, resulting in significantly stricter lending standards and making credit unavailable to lower-income people or those with lower credit scores.—
Luciana Lopez,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Per his release, the rapper must follow strict guidelines for the next five years, such as no alcohol, drug testing, and federal supervision when opening bank accounts.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Again, Maduro is a socialist thug.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
-
This is the underworld that Michlewitz and the rest of his thug pals come out of, and will protect at all costs.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
20 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Look for smooth, matte, leathery skin free from cracks and soft spots.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Indian hawthorn has leathery, dark green leaves that take on a pleasing purple hue in winter.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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