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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Remote summon and handling tough terrain Ever lost sight of your cart?
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
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
Adjective
The project tells the story of Jonah Lynn (Schreiber), an ex-soldier turned homicide detective who, tired of working the tough streets of Philadelphia, moves to a small town in Western Pennsylvania for a quiet life.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Remote summon and handling tough terrain Ever lost sight of your cart?
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 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
-
Too often, however, the systems behind it are brittle—swelling during periods of hypergrowth and collapsing under the weight of a downturn.—
Kehinde Fawumi,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
For a more intensive, wash-day treatment, consider Sutra’s hair mask packed with hyaluronic acid and plant proteins to transform dry, brittle strands after just ten minutes.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Gritti’s dock-manager to Grazer’s left, foreground right in the shot, may be suspicious that his sturdy right elbow, offered for support during that parlous little leap from land to sea, is being roundly ignored.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Come spring, the Ranger III carries everything from outhouses and diesel fuel for the generators to construction supplies to repair whatever damage Mother Nature did to facilities over the harsh winter.—
Diana Lambdin Meyer,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
-
The United States and Europe must finally sever all economic ties with Russia (e.g., nuclear partnerships) and impose harsher sanctions on Russia and secondary sanctions so that China and others face consequences for their support of the war.—
Laura Thornton,
Twin Cities,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
-
Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Rochester recommends baby shampoo to get your hair and makeup brushes grease-free and without any additives that may irritate sensitive face skin.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
-
Additionally, privacy, data security and intellectual property concerns must be addressed when handling sensitive or unpublished research material.—
Beth Worthy,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Officials accomplished this by re-evaluating risk, putting strict limits on how long a person can be held in isolation and expanding behavioral health programs.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2025
-
The train itself is powered by energy-efficient DX-class diesel-electric locomotives, and the carrier maintains strict environmental protocols, including waste minimization and recycling practices on board.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
Ultra Man is sort of Lex's thug and is pretty powerful.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 June 2025
-
This will reveal paid fake thugs posing as protesters becoming violent.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 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 5 Jul. 2025.
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