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
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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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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 bully
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
Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 7 May 2026
Despite the tough results, executives remain optimistic for a turnaround at the French company.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue, 7 May 2026
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The surge coincides with his tough on crime takeover of DC.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
The second featured some tough luck, with a double that hit the first-base bag, an infield single and a wild pitch producing a run.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 7 May 2026
Despite the tough results, executives remain optimistic for a turnaround at the French company.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue, 7 May 2026
Noun
Doing so with a CVS receipt-long injury list is all kinds of tough.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The surge coincides with his tough on crime takeover of DC.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
-
At Vato, in Park Slope—which, blessedly, opens at seven in the morning—the tortillas are thin and rich, with chewy interiors and a flaky, blistered outside from the heat of the flattop.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
The crunchy noodles contrast so nicely with the chewy pancakes.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The 28-meter (92-foot) tall maypole was lifted horizontally on wooden carts and pulled into the village by two sturdy horses from the local beer brewery.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
-
These knives also feature a sturdy spine for extra heft and durability.—
Jesse Raub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Combining all of this in one material has been difficult because thermal control and signal control rely on very different properties.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
-
Despite the removal of material, the architecture can result in a busy design and potentially make reading the time difficult.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
That's because the edges of your vision are more sensitive to light.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
-
Dick and Tweety became a formidable team in running Camp Mystic – he the unquestioned leader who oversaw all operations and she the sensitive surrogate mother for campers.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Our justice system depends on public confidence, and, as a result, the rules governing lawyers in every state are strict.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Passengers on board — representing more than 20 nationalities, including Americans — have been placed under strict health monitoring and isolation protocols as a precaution.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Between Mobley’s emergence and Allen’s bully mentality, the Cavs have enough to win the East if their stars play like stars.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
On the other, falling in line behind a power-drunk bully to whom rules don’t matter.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Its large, dark green, leathery leaves measure 6 to 12 inches long, and remain on the tree year-round in warm climates.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
-
La Minerva’s quarters are in a perpetual mood, enhanced by a color story of herbal greens, silvery blues, leathery browns, and amber.—
Adam Erace,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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