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
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughen
This is a program that needs someone who will light a fire under the defense, that will toughen up the Trojans on that side of the ball.
—
Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
The Cook County chief judge’s office has toughened protocols around its electronic monitoring program, making changes in the wake of high-profile incidents and as the office’s monitored population swells.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
Unnerved by his son’s reverence, Big Ant keeps his distance from the boy and subtly pressures him to toughen up and abandon his artistic pursuits.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
It was originally envisioned as something that could help collegiate men (aka eggheads) toughen up and prepare for fighting the wars of empire.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
The Cook County chief judge’s office has toughened protocols around its electronic monitoring program, making changes in the wake of high-profile incidents and as the office’s monitored population swells.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
Unnerved by his son’s reverence, Big Ant keeps his distance from the boy and subtly pressures him to toughen up and abandon his artistic pursuits.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
It was originally envisioned as something that could help collegiate men (aka eggheads) toughen up and prepare for fighting the wars of empire.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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Duffy said the registration system and requirements for trucking companies will be strengthened while Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration inspectors conduct more spot checks of trucks and commercial driver's license schools.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
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His addition also heralded the dawning of an era in which LACMA actively sought to strengthen its connections with the entertainment world.—
Arts Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As if the wide-eyed innocent who arrived here has been hardened.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Florida lawmakers are assigning no new money this year for My Safe Florida Home, the popular home-hardening program that awards $10,000 grants to help Floridians upgrade their windows and doors.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
23 Feb. 2026
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Instead of masking smells with fragrance sprays, which can stain or stiffen sheepskin, all of our experts suggested using baking soda and cornstarch for removing odors.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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