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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughen
That’s when the Biden administration toughened its first round of AI tech restrictions from the prior year.
—
Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
The armed conflict, often erupting on public streets in cities across central and western Japan, has put pressure on authorities to toughen restrictions on the gangs.
—Junko Ogura, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
The charges come amid President Trump’s deluge of orders and policy changes intended to toughen immigration laws and facilitate deportations.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
These softer elements were toughened up with leather buckles, harnesses, ‘60s silhouettes, burgundy, blues and touches of Miuccia Prada’s influence.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
The armed conflict, often erupting on public streets in cities across central and western Japan, has put pressure on authorities to toughen restrictions on the gangs.
—Junko Ogura, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
The charges come amid President Trump’s deluge of orders and policy changes intended to toughen immigration laws and facilitate deportations.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
These softer elements were toughened up with leather buckles, harnesses, ‘60s silhouettes, burgundy, blues and touches of Miuccia Prada’s influence.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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By updating recruiting tactics and working with local communities, Florida has an opportunity to strengthen the fire service and help every Floridian.—
Jason Cerrano,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2025
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This program is funded by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, which supports journalism, film and arts organizations whose work is dedicated to social justice and strengthening democracy.—
Talia Buford,
ProPublica,
16 May 2025
Verb
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While the healing process can be beneficial in securing the implant in place, the scar tissue can also harden and contract around the insert, causing difficulties in regards to aesthetics — as well as pain — per the site.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
12 May 2025
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Without clear communication from management, early skepticism can harden into quiet resistance.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Lucy’s Law, among other things, stiffens the penalties for seriously injuring someone in a boat crash.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2025
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Posture And Mobility: Undoing The Sedentary Spiral Extended sitting does more than stiffen your spine.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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