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
Congress sets spending priorities but Trump treats them as ceilings
Besides toughening immigration enforcement, two other broad areas of legal dispute focus on cutting the size of government by firing federal workers and dismantling agencies, as well as banning diversity initiatives.
—
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025
The report’s call to action lists several possible solutions to address homelessness, including funding more affordable housing, toughening eviction prevention measures and adding shelter options.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025
Over the years, she’s been back at UConn to occasionally help fire up and toughen up the centers and forwards that came after her, like Dolson, 2010-14, Nelson-Ododa, 2018-22 and Aaliyah Edwards (2020-24), now with the Mystics, but missing this game with a back injury.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Then, in the third tier were China, Russia and other countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes, which would have remained subject to strict export controls previously put in place by the Biden administration, first in 2022 and then toughened in 2023.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025
The report’s call to action lists several possible solutions to address homelessness, including funding more affordable housing, toughening eviction prevention measures and adding shelter options.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025
Over the years, she’s been back at UConn to occasionally help fire up and toughen up the centers and forwards that came after her, like Dolson, 2010-14, Nelson-Ododa, 2018-22 and Aaliyah Edwards (2020-24), now with the Mystics, but missing this game with a back injury.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Then, in the third tier were China, Russia and other countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes, which would have remained subject to strict export controls previously put in place by the Biden administration, first in 2022 and then toughened in 2023.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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Below, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share the best ways brands can rebuild credibility and strengthen their image after public criticism.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
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The first print edition of Robb Report en Español will debut in Spain later this year, further strengthening the brand’s presence in Europe.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Democratic policies regarding immigration have evolved as attitudes, even among Latinos, have hardened after record border crossings during former President Joe Biden‘s administration.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2025
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Now, your union advised agricultural employers to harden work sites.—
A Martínez,
NPR,
13 June 2025
Verb
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The competition has definitely stiffened, after all.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 June 2025
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The defense stiffened, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs to set up Chris Callahan’s game-winning 28-yard kick.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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