1
2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in harsh
difficult to endure
tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
even if you study for it, it's still a tough exam
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5
as in sensitive
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a tough supervisor who docked the pay of anyone who punched in late, no matter what the reason
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in thug
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
didn't want her son hanging out with the neighborhood toughs
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tough
Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2025
That’s a tough argument to make when $1 billion per year for the next 20 years is directed to the high-speed rail boondoggle.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Holly Jones, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024
Standout features: Extension for high ceilings, foldable, lightweight Have high ceilings and other tough to reach spaces?
—Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
However, in the big picture, the three-hour game provided a bit of a respite from what was a tough week for the Keller Indians’ football family.
—Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2025
That’s a tough argument to make when $1 billion per year for the next 20 years is directed to the high-speed rail boondoggle.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
When a set of tortuous toughs relocate to the neighborhood, his temperament shifts and the scenes increasingly unravel the inner workings of his shaken psyche.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024
Standout features: Extension for high ceilings, foldable, lightweight Have high ceilings and other tough to reach spaces?
—Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
-
For city-dwellers that battle hard water, dry, cold air, and random bouts of sidewalk grate humidity — this is the duo your brittle strands need.—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The verification process required meticulous preparation, including heat-treating the brittle Nb3Sn materials in furnaces at temperatures over 650°C (1202°F) to impart their superconducting properties.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
22 Sep. 2025
-
This model by Unikome features plush foam padding covered in soft, upholstered faux shearling, supported by sturdy rubberwood legs.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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These findings highlight an urgent need to shield stem cells from the harsh realities of space.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Rain is coming, penciled in for an hour or two from now, and a harsh British wind is flinging leaves off branches and cloaking the countryside with something that smells dungy and damp.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Winning that game won't be easy, but winning it without Lamb would be even more difficult.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Sep. 2025
-
There will be times, like at a raucous Goodison Park last February, when Everton can rise to an occasion and make life difficult for their neighbours.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Formulated without alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, the TheraBreath Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse uses glucose oxidase and enzymes called papain to help break up stains and kill bad-breath-causing bacteria—all without aggravating sensitive teeth and gums.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Organizations are increasingly relying on AI to handle the initial assessment load, especially in high-volume or compliance-sensitive hiring scenarios.—
Aaron Dhaliwal,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Sulfide electrolytes fall apart when exposed to humidity, demanding strict atmospheric controls during manufacturing.—
Tejasri Gururaj,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Another 22% want innovation with strict risk controls.—
Lawrence Wintermeyer,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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We’re then introduced to Louie, a thug who works for a loan shark, threatening and killing people.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
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Their neighbor, an older Jewish woman, gets arrested and Nazi thugs brazenly loot her apartment.—
Rabih Alameddine
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Inside the leathery shell, clusters of pomegranate seeds shine like ruby prisms.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
-
An initial jolt of spicy pink pepper dissipates to reveal a rose dripping in honeyed, ambery sweetness, while its leathery base adds strength, dimension, and something a little bit naughty to this fruity-floral triumph of a scent.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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