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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughen
Because the muscles in this area are not overly exerted, their tendons don't toughen (which is why a tenderloin is so tender).
—
Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
Scheffler started hot but cooled off as conditions toughened later in the day.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
Either toughen up or use a mixer.
—Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
The group is exploring using other semiconductors, such as diamond, to toughen the transmitter.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
Scheffler started hot but cooled off as conditions toughened later in the day.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
Either toughen up or use a mixer.
—Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
The group is exploring using other semiconductors, such as diamond, to toughen the transmitter.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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Ensuring 100% availability is the stitch in time for strengthening the storage infrastructure for business continuity.—
Eric Herzog,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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In 2025, 250 professionals benefited from technical training programs to strengthen local crews as demand grows.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Scores of hardened, dangerous criminals are being paroled every year thanks to the Massachusetts Parole Board appointed by liberal Democrat Maura Healey.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2026
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The process relies on urushi, a natural lacquer derived from tree sap that hardens over time into a durable, food-safe coating.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The rings arise because the metal softens as the can compresses, then stiffens, then compresses and stiffens again, repeating the pattern until the compression is complete—akin to something called homoclinic snaking.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
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Will these Knicks stick to the process when the competition stiffens in the second round?—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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