TOUGH Synonyms: 378 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'tough' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tough are stalwart , stout , strong , sturdy , and tenacious . While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tough implies great firmness and resiliency. // a tough political opponent

Q: When can 'stalwart' be used instead of 'tough'?

The words stalwart and tough can be used in similar contexts, but stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability. // stalwart environmentalists

Q: Where would 'stout' be a reasonable alternative to 'tough'?

The words stout and tough are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way. // stout hiking boots

Q: When could 'strong' be used to replace 'tough'?

The meanings of strong and tough largely overlap; however, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources. // strong arms // the defense has a strong case

Q: When would 'sturdy' be a good substitute for 'tough'?

Although the words sturdy and tough have much in common, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction. // a sturdy table // people of sturdy independence

Q: When is 'tenacious' a more appropriate choice than 'tough'?

While in some cases nearly identical to tough , tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together. // tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

tough 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtəf

Definition of tough next

as in brittle

not easily chewed her steak was so tough that she suggested the waiter use it as a hockey puck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sturdy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters

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as in harsh

difficult to endure tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long

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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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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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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

tough

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tough different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tough are stalwart, stout, strong, sturdy, and tenacious. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

When can stalwart be used instead of tough?

The words stalwart and tough can be used in similar contexts, but stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would stout be a reasonable alternative to tough?

The words stout and tough are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When could strong be used to replace tough?

The meanings of strong and tough largely overlap; however, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms

the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for tough?

Although the words sturdy and tough have much in common, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table

people of sturdy independence

When is tenacious a more appropriate choice than tough?

While in some cases nearly identical to tough, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

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 tough

Adjective

Rumors of Kelce's potential retirement sparked soon after last Sunday's game ended with the Chief's tough 40-22 loss to the Eagles. —

Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 One possible reason Trump's arrest rate isn't matching Biden's: The publicity surrounding the new president's tough talk on immigration has fueled a dramatic dip in the number of people trying to enter the U.S. illegally on the southern border. —

Axios, 14 Feb. 2025

Noun

By the numbers Gary Klein’s prediction The NFC West rival Rams and the Seahawks always play each other tough. —

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2023 Shots of Phoenix running from street toughs in his clown outfit are intercut with his social worker breaking up with him. —

Dan Brooks, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2019 See all Example Sentences for tough

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough

Adjective

The world is a brittle place, with disease outbreaks, wars in Gaza and Ukraine and climate change adding to the anxiety.

— Tina Reed, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
Because of the intense heat produced by the eruption, the scrolls resemble brittle lumps of charcoal.

— Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025