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
To be fair, Tommy did tell her to toughen up when taking over the company!
—
William Earl, Variety, 14 Dec. 2025
While running to be German chancellor this year, Friedrich Merz vowed to toughen the country’s migration policy.
—Suman Naishadham, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2025
The new figures come as Berlin toughens its stance on China, while trying not to rankle its top trading partner.
—semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Cowboys’ Dak Attack is the better offense here, and ‘Boys defense has toughened since earlier in the season.
—Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
William Earl, Variety, 14 Dec. 2025
While running to be German chancellor this year, Friedrich Merz vowed to toughen the country’s migration policy.
—Suman Naishadham, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2025
The new figures come as Berlin toughens its stance on China, while trying not to rankle its top trading partner.
—semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Cowboys’ Dak Attack is the better offense here, and ‘Boys defense has toughened since earlier in the season.
—Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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That voice continued to echo during Tuesday’s meeting as environmental advocates are moving to strengthen the Marine Protected Area network and coastlines.—
Chaewon Chung
Updated January 6,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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Even short bouts of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, boost mood and strengthen the heart.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For dry or gel polish, use ice to harden it, then gently lift or chip it off.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
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Even Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired Sunday.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
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Cream of tartar or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to help the meringue stiffen.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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