toughened 1 of 2

toughened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of toughen

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of toughened
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 Alchemist became known for his sample-heavy work, often mining disco, soul and R&B records from the 1970s and 1980s for snippets that became the foundations of his sturdy but atmospheric productions.
    Christine Werthman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The bottoms have a sturdy rubber sole with traction that grips the ground, which is also helpful for unpredictable fall weather.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Has anyone else got any hope, especially as Chelsea are strengthened by the return of Sam Kerr from injury, the signing of Ellie Carpenter from OL Lyonnes and Alyssa Thompson set to join too?
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Kiko, further west off Mexico's coast, strengthened to Hurricane Kiko in the Pacific.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kim and his influential sister, Korean Workers' Party Publicity and Information Department Deputy Director Kim Yo Jong, have only hardened their rhetoric against South Korea in recent years, and the North Korean ruler has simultaneously doubled down on nuclear development.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
  • By the time the true story of Pearl Jam’s name emerged, the story of Grandma Pearl’s hallucinogenic jam had already hardened into fact for most people.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • In addition to adjustable dampers, the Lyriq-V boasts a lowered suspension with components stiffened 10% to 600% from the base Lyriq, which was already a sporty and responsive SUV.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The terrain calls for sturdy footwear and SOREL has a range of hardy and waterproof boots, snow boots, and trainers.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Furnishings are intentionally sturdy and swaddled in luxe but hardy fabrics to withstand spills and sandy paws.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Reese wants to skip through the rebuilding process, but doing so has already put Chicago in a position in which building a stronger talent base is going to be much more difficult.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Speaking to the crowd before the march, Eve Devitt, an Idaho human rights activist, said that LGBTQ+ history is built on fighting for rights, which makes the community stronger.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s a tough dichotomy to bridge, but the new 2025 911 Carrera GTS achieves it brilliantly.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The tough stainless steel loops are reinforced and designed to remain rust-free even after years of use, and a three number combination lock will be easy to remember and difficult to crack.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Marswalker has rugged wheels in each corner for gripping the steps, as well as a long antenna to sense angles and heights.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The two largest rams were lying down, seemingly enjoying their cuds and the panorama of Bear Canyon and the rugged San Andres Mountains that stretched beyond them.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toughened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughened. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on toughened

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!