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
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
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
Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 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
Cowboys’ Dak Attack is the better offense here, and ‘Boys defense has toughened since earlier in the season.
—Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
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
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
Gonzaga’s record aside, Mark and his teammates believe navigating the SEC slate is what toughened them up and put this group in position to reach the Sweet 16 and perhaps beyond with a win over the favored Bulldogs.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 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
Cowboys’ Dak Attack is the better offense here, and ‘Boys defense has toughened since earlier in the season.
—Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
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
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.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Our Top Makeup Brush Sets When the brushes are thoughtfully designed—think soft, dense fibers and sturdy handles—blending tends to be easier, and your makeup looks that much more polished.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Eyewitness imagery strengthened that assessment.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The Worldpay deal also bolstered Global Payments presence in Europe and strengthened some of its offerings such as e-commerce capabilities.—
Justin Zacks,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Iran and the United States hardened their positions as a diplomatic push for a ceasefire in the Middle East war appeared to falter on Thursday.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
-
And the Iranian position has now hardened.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The prime minister’s demeanor stiffened.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
-
After the deputies put him back into the chair, Mitchell’s body stiffened, with his legs straight in front of him and his head lolling back.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At least for now, Bath’s example illustrates the possibilities in terms of both promise and avenues for development—by emulating nature (selecting hardy strains of Bacillus) and pharmaceutical engineering (capsule technology), civil engineers are rethinking concrete from the inside out.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The hardy beans are just some of the hundreds of seed varieties preserved at Native Seeds/SEARCH, whose gardens are continuously planted, even in the middle of the summer.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The legislation has stalled amid strong pushback from critics.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Kodai Senga got the ball for the Mets and turned in a strong performance in his season debut.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The real minutes, tough minutes on the road, stressful.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
-
After those seven players, things get a little tough to project.—
Mike Kaye
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
These mid-cut boots deliver, with reliable waterproofing, EVA foam for comfort, and a rugged outsole for go-anywhere durability.—
Lisa Jhung,
Outside,
26 Mar. 2026
-
From sleek business-ready designs with built-in charging ports to rugged hiking companions that can weather any adventure, there’s never been a better time to invest in a quality travel backpack.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toughened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughened. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
