toughie

variants also toughy

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 toughie And special days call for special grids, such as this set of six toughies that were originally shelved but have remained in our hearts. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 Extra time may be spent looking for that toughie that was present just a few days ago. Taylor Piephoff, charlotteobserver, 15 Dec. 2017 Another cold-weather toughie is Alaska's red flat bark beetle, which, under lab conditions, can survive cooling down to minus 238 degrees Fahrenheit. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 10 Dec. 2016 The surprises come from Rachel McAdams, who holds her own as a wise-cracking toughie, and Peña, who defrosts from macho pride mode with low-key grace. Hugh Hart, WIRED, 29 Oct. 2008
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughie
Noun
  • The surge coincides with his tough on crime takeover of DC.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The local toughs, led by the sadistic Ace Merrill (Kiefer Sutherland), are headed the same way, albeit for different reasons.
    Sezin Devi Koehler September 1, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • See video … Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for a breakdown on Congress’ push for tougher laws to keep repeat violent offenders off America’s streets.
    , FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The opinion article, published in The Mercury News, argued that criminal-justice reforms had weakened consequences for serious offenders.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The immediate impact on public opinion is hard to gauge, but, as the war went on, the picture came to stand for the belief that in supporting South Vietnam, the United States was supporting war criminals.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favorite criminal.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Parents should also avoid speaking directly with the bully's parents, as this can escalate the situation.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • An American bully's hilarious and heartwarming reaction to a new 2-pound puppy has taken the internet by storm.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Girls were there and there were guys that were really extra on some thug, some goon sh*t.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Toughie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughie. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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