as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
a group of toughened mountain bikers barreling up the hill
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in strengthened
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hardened
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 stiffened
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 toughened
Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Since the Supreme Court empowered local governments to crack down on homeless encampments in June, at least 40 jurisdictions around California have enacted new laws or toughened existing ones, according to the National Homelessness Law Center.
—Vanessa Rancaño, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024
Last year, the city toughened its national security law, and vocal political dissent has largely been silenced.
—Katie Tam and Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Centrist politicians across Europe have toughened their migration policies in recent months, spooked by the electoral success of charismatic right-wing and anti-migrant leaders.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Harris, like her boss, has recently toughened her position on border security.
—Charlotte Alter / Pittsburgh, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
The centre-right government toughened migration policy in June.
—Afp, Fortune Europe, 30 Sep. 2024
Verb
The most powerful are those toughened by formidable competitors.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Since the Supreme Court empowered local governments to crack down on homeless encampments in June, at least 40 jurisdictions around California have enacted new laws or toughened existing ones, according to the National Homelessness Law Center.
—Vanessa Rancaño, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024
Last year, the city toughened its national security law, and vocal political dissent has largely been silenced.
—Katie Tam and Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Centrist politicians across Europe have toughened their migration policies in recent months, spooked by the electoral success of charismatic right-wing and anti-migrant leaders.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Harris, like her boss, has recently toughened her position on border security.
—Charlotte Alter / Pittsburgh, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
The centre-right government toughened migration policy in June.
—Afp, Fortune Europe, 30 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughened
Adjective
-
The sturdy steel frame holds up to 650 pounds, while the insulated cup holders cool and keep drinks within reach.—
Francesca Krempa,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
-
If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The past month has renewed conversations about home rule, which many Democrats believe should be strengthened.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
-
These examples show that more protections need to be established and strengthened, advocates say.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, the better individual homes are hardened with flame-resistant siding, roofs, windows and vents, and flammable surrounding items like vegetation, fences and sheds between houses are reduced, the less likely fire will spread from building to building, the study found.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
-
None of the six summer arrivals have yet taken English football by storm and Wolves needed at least a couple of players who were battle-hardened in the league.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Despite herself, Cali stiffened.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.—
Kevin J. Farmer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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French Lavender French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is not as hardy as other varieties of lavender, so a vigorous pruning can kill it.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Native to central Asia, oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) are perennials that are winter-hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-7.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Washington counts Qatar as a strong Gulf ally.—
Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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The audio-streaming platform has amassed a sizable free cash flow due to its strong revenue growth, a figure that has been boosted by the company's swelling active user base in recent financial quarters.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, also known as the StudBudz, are shifty, tough shot-making guards who can get hot in a hurry.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
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And that’s tough on those guys.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Fighting off predators, fending for food, and living in rugged terrain with harsh conditions – this was not a means of living for the weak.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Limited access and steep rugged terrain will continue to hamper suppression.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughened. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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