as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
a group of toughened mountain bikers barreling up the hill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughened
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Trump announced a toughened stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Monday, setting a 50-day deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire or face sanctions.
—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
18 July 2025
Paul Sandle,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones.
—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Subaru sharpened it, toughened it and elevated it.
—
Tim Jackson,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Scheffler started hot but cooled off as conditions toughened later in the day.
—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
On her feet were a pair of custom Conquillas by Christian Louboutin, referencing the memorable fall winter 2014 shoes with a spiked silhouette and heelless platform—toughened up, but still reminiscent of the super-arched shoes of the Barbie era.
—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2026
His detractors, however, criticize the mayor for focusing on short-term housing for the homeless at the expense of long-term solutions, threatening to arrest homeless people, and supporting Proposition 36, which Newsom opposed, that toughened penalties against repeat drug and theft offenses.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
The Cook County chief judge’s office has toughened protocols around its electronic monitoring program, making changes in the wake of high-profile incidents and as the office’s monitored population swells.
—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
The fatal flaw couldn’t be sufficiently mitigated, though, once the schedule toughened.
—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
But her thickened skin, along with her toughened reputation, felt supple now.
—
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Trump announced a toughened stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Monday, setting a 50-day deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire or face sanctions.
—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
18 July 2025
Verb
Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech firms, urging or forcing them to adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones.
—
Paul Sandle,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones.
—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Subaru sharpened it, toughened it and elevated it.
—
Tim Jackson,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Scheffler started hot but cooled off as conditions toughened later in the day.
—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
On her feet were a pair of custom Conquillas by Christian Louboutin, referencing the memorable fall winter 2014 shoes with a spiked silhouette and heelless platform—toughened up, but still reminiscent of the super-arched shoes of the Barbie era.
—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2026
His detractors, however, criticize the mayor for focusing on short-term housing for the homeless at the expense of long-term solutions, threatening to arrest homeless people, and supporting Proposition 36, which Newsom opposed, that toughened penalties against repeat drug and theft offenses.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
The Cook County chief judge’s office has toughened protocols around its electronic monitoring program, making changes in the wake of high-profile incidents and as the office’s monitored population swells.
—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
The fatal flaw couldn’t be sufficiently mitigated, though, once the schedule toughened.
—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughened
Adjective
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
-
While linen and silk are light and airy, some occasions call for a sturdier yet equally breathable option.
Verb
-
In recent days, after Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, Kainerugaba has strengthened his grip with a series of directives and orders usually reserved for the head of state.
-
The good news is that resilience can be strengthened long before a crisis occurs.
Verb
-
That separates vendors who truly hardened their posture from those who just updated their talking points.
-
The interview, released in August, was supposed to follow the show’s usual strange logic, but instead the exchange hardened around Gaza, with Friedland growing visibly emotional as Torres remained largely unmoved.
Verb
-
Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.
-
Nicks on the edge or stiffened, curled rubber will leave streaks.
Adjective
-
Modales leans into cold-hardy grapes varieties like blaufränkisch, the spicy Austrian red variety that has become a favorite by-the-glass pour at Ox Bar.
-
PeeGee thrives in summer heat and is exceptionally cold-hardy, tolerating full sun and partial shade.
Adjective
-
Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.
-
Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
Adjective
-
MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
-
The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
Adjective
-
In the midst of the rugged match, Sweden lost one of its top players to a non-contact injury.
-
The search for Gracie the giraffe, missing in Texas, hit its two-week mark on June 25 as the manager of her ranch is continuing to scour rugged terrain from the ground and sky.
Cite this Entry
“Toughened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughened. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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