1
as in strengthening
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hardening
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 stiffening
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 toughening
The tender side of Strout is her hopefulness—and that may be toughening up.
—
Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
In the nineties, hip-hop was toughening up the sound of American popular music; Jackson, fey and theatrical, seemed increasingly distant from the cultural mainstream.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Running statewide, Bianco’s priorities include toughening public safety laws and addressing homelessness through law enforcement involvement.
—David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
In the nineties, hip-hop was toughening up the sound of American popular music; Jackson, fey and theatrical, seemed increasingly distant from the cultural mainstream.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Running statewide, Bianco’s priorities include toughening public safety laws and addressing homelessness through law enforcement involvement.
—David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughening
Verb
-
Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck said property tax reform is important to Senate Democrats, as well as provisions strengthening collective bargaining for first responders.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2026
-
This creates an immersive experience that allows viewers at home to feel part of the action as well, strengthening the overall sense of community.—
Christine Mortag,
Condé Nast Traveler,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The Timberwolves, who have made the past two Western Conference finals and endured their share of hardening heartbreaks, showed their quality in the critical moments.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
5 May 2026
-
Begin hardening off seedlings about one week prior to transplanting outdoors.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade, told us.—
Suzanne Lynch,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toughening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughening. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
