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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Infused with nourishing tsubaki meadow oil, texturizing pink salt, and a plant blend of kale, carrot, and lemon extracts that, together, strengthen and add moisture, this featherlight formula hydrates, de-frizzes, and disappears upon contact—though the results stick around for hours.—
Michelle Rostamian,
Allure,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Pozzo joined as deputy CEO in July 2025, alongside a 25-million-euro capital increase to strengthen the balance sheet and support the company’s strategic reset.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
DeJan was dispatched to Shaffner-Heaney Associates in South Bend, Indiana, in the spring of 2023 to manage the Scrabble board of letters from the speech, made of high performance concrete letters hardened in fiberglass molds.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
-
While Britain's major political parties, including the hard-right Reform UK, refuse to engage with Robinson, protests linked to the activist and his associates have become a common sight in British cities amid hardening public views on immigration.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
