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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tough
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Will Nelson bounce back after a tough postseason?
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, a running back on the underdog 49ers will find the sledding tough on the ground, providing gamblers with a desirable rushing under to bet.
—Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
Leaders need to check whether their provider is truly diversified, well-regulated and sufficiently liquid to protect funds during tough times.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Will Nelson bounce back after a tough postseason?
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Noun
Cazale played the title character, an older man who becomes lost in Manhattan and is harassed by two young toughs, one of whom was portrayed by Pacino.
—René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, a running back on the underdog 49ers will find the sledding tough on the ground, providing gamblers with a desirable rushing under to bet.
—Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
-
The bodice of the midi look was created in a leathery fabric with corset-style cutouts running down the front placket of the piece.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
8 June 2026
-
The tissue between veins dies, becoming leathery.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
-
Serving tray for entertaining $25 to $50 This straightforward serving tray is a reliable standard that’s sturdy and comes in seven colors.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Ahead of the holiday, the City of Rancho Cordova is cracking down with much harsher penalties.—
Brady Halbleib,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Members of his party who want even harsher border controls have splintered off to form Restore Britain, which has gained support from Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who is vociferously backing it on his X platform.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
The verdict was delivered amid difficult personal circumstances for Mette-Marit, Hoiby’s mother, who needs a lung transplant for pulmonary fibrosis.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
-
Otherwise, those prospects start becoming large contracts that stand more difficult to move or aggregate.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
International migration has long been a sensitive issue in Europe, as nations grapple with an aging population and increasing anti-foreigner sentiment.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
International migration has long been a sensitive issue in Europe, as nations grapple with an aging population and increasing anti-foreigner sentiment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Initiative, dubbed a ‘Swiss Brexit,’ sought binding limits by 2050, forcing strict curbs on asylum, family reunification and work permits, potentially dismantling Switzerland’s deal on free movement of people and close EU ties.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
The administration denied the request, saying accident rates for skydiving planes are lower than those for other types of private flights, a point the United States Parachute Association has emphasized repeatedly in the years since then, lobbying against stricter rules.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
An allegation last year by a provincial police commander that top officers and officials were colluding with organized criminals led Ramaphosa to announce a national investigation into police corruption.—
Michelle Gumede,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
Roman emperors, sometimes urged on by the crowd, were known to grant pardons (to criminals) and freedom (to the enslaved) after an especially noteworthy performance.—
Cullen Murphy,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Atlas Lions also frustrated their Scottish foes with their physicality, taking down Christie, McTominay and others with a series of hard challenges that did not draw whistles.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
20 June 2026
-
The Cardinals had rallied for three runs in the ninth, and Jose Fermin hit a hard grounder to Tolbert’s left.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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