TOUGHEN Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

toughen

verb

ˈtə-fən

Definition of toughen

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

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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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 The remaining states — including the swing states of Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina — have measures for this fall's general election that would toughen ID requirements for voters. — Benjamin Swasey, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 Greece’s conservative government has been toughening its migration policies. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 Further back, Sasa Lukic will bring Premier League experience and toughen up the midfield with his strength in the tackle. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 But Reuters reported on Tuesday that many industry executives worry that without legislation future administrations may seek to overturn or toughen up the SEC's rules. — Hannah Lang, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toughen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen

Verb

Since 2021 the company has also been intent on strengthening its distribution channels and showrooms across Asia, Europe and North America.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
The work is intended to help transfer specialized nuclear-submarine design knowledge, improve technical coordination and strengthen the industrial capabilities required to build and sustain advanced submarines over their operational lifetimes.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of strengthen

Verb

The gossip hardens into something more official, as fellow teachers and school authorities start to treat her personal life as a disciplinary matter.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Governments around the world are hardening their AI stances as more agentic hacks breach critical systems.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of harden

Verb

But one of the positives Glenn highlighted was the defense stiffening in the red zone against Chicago, which went 2 of 7 inside the New York 20-yard line.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and the like will help keep your robe soft and absorbent as these formulas could break down the fabric, leave behind fabric-stiffening residue, or cause pilling and other concerns.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026