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
He had just been toughened up by an impressive 12-goal season on loan with leading Scottish side Rangers from German giants Bayern Munich, but the then 21-year-old could still be quiet, boyish and tongue-tied with journalists when he was farmed out again that summer to the Dutch club.
—
Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Indiana lawmakers are considering a measure that would toughen the penalty for failing to report child abuse at schools, gyms, hospitals, daycares and other institutions.
—Tony Cook, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Newsom, widely considered a Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential race, appears to be toughening his stance on issues likely to follow him on the campaign trail.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 16 May 2025
Wondering how to toughen up your go-to essentials for beach trips and lavish destinations?
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Indiana lawmakers are considering a measure that would toughen the penalty for failing to report child abuse at schools, gyms, hospitals, daycares and other institutions.
—Tony Cook, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Newsom, widely considered a Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential race, appears to be toughening his stance on issues likely to follow him on the campaign trail.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 16 May 2025
Wondering how to toughen up your go-to essentials for beach trips and lavish destinations?
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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While Italy aims to strengthen its vital connection to Sicily, China has been systematically building the world's highest bridges.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 Aug. 2025
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Honoring my Guatemalan ancestry only strengthens my commitment to America.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But the mood in Israel hardened dramatically when, on July 31, Hamas released a video of the skeletal 21-year-old Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, weeping and in pain.—
Emily Rose,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
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Coconut oil will harden when cold, leaving you with solid chocolate candy for later.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The sounds capture tiny mechanical vibrations, sometimes caused by stiffening arteries or narrowing heart vessels, that can indicate the early onset of disease.—
Carla Mendez,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
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That combination of scarcity and desirability stiffens competition and drives up prices, DeJohn says.—
Talia Wexler,
CNBC,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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