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
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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
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Recent Examples of toughening
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
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
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Its long-term goal is to create a market for film rights to adaptations of literary works from the region, thereby strengthening cooperation between the film and book industries.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
6 May 2026
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Beau founded the Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center, which aimed to get kids involved in outdoor activities while strengthening their connection to nature and wildlife.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Today, homeowners often invest in fire-hardening and see little benefit in their premiums.—
Patrick Wolff,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
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Observing tips The lunar disk is entirely bereft of shadows during the full moon phase, making this the perfect time to trace the outline of lunar maria — where lava flows filled colossal impact basins billions of years ago before hardening to form sweeping basaltic plains.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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 11 May. 2026.
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