1
as in to strengthen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to harden
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
attempts to toughen conditions under which waivers from military service would be permitted
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughen
As the first Egyptian astronaut—and the first Arab and African woman in space—her career has been shaped by brutally early mornings, periods of total isolation, and even digital detoxes from social media to toughen her mental focus.
—
Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
The schedule toughens after next week at Carolina, and now with Hill lost?
—Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Sunny Hills’ schedule will toughen in the Lambda League but the Lancers are progressing.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
The European Commission president promised to toughen efforts against Russia and hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, in an annual speech that focused on defense and security.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
The schedule toughens after next week at Carolina, and now with Hill lost?
—Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Sunny Hills’ schedule will toughen in the Lambda League but the Lancers are progressing.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
The European Commission president promised to toughen efforts against Russia and hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, in an annual speech that focused on defense and security.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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The United States and Australia on Monday unveiled a landmark agreement to boost critical minerals and rare earths projects, aiming to reduce reliance on China and strengthen defense and tech supply chains.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Oct. 2025
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With trust and engagement at an all-time low, companies need to help leaders strengthen human skills such as self-awareness, clear communication, and compassion.—
Rasmus Hougaard,
Harvard Business Review,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The hardening public mood in both capitals reinforces hawkish instincts.—
Lizzi C. Lee,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
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These are produced by precisely laying fiber strips in a mold, which is hardened using resins or other plastics to form a component.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For every mention of the Chicago Bulls’ trek toward toughness, of their hopes to stiffen the chests in the building and ignite a defensive revamp, Okoro has been the footnote.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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