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 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
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Yermak’s been a pivotal conduit for Ukraine in negotiating with the U.S. and its European allies, particularly in pushing for tougher sanctions on Russia.
—Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
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
Adjective
Leaves harvested after flowering may be tough and bitter.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Yermak’s been a pivotal conduit for Ukraine in negotiating with the U.S. and its European allies, particularly in pushing for tougher sanctions on Russia.
—Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 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
-
This is probably the better option for those with very thick or brittle hair.—
Lisa DeSantis,
Glamour,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Over time, a brittle, yellow crust forms.3 Lyme disease: Deer tick bites can spread this bacterial infection.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Cast Iron Square Skillet Grill This 9.5-inch square skillet pan is made from sturdy cast iron, giving meats and vegetables that juicy, chargrilled flavor and appearance — with no real grilling actually required.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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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,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But the harsh fact is that letting a tree stump fester in the ground can cause myriad problems, according to the arborist sources AD asked.—
Steven John,
Architectural Digest,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Iran has threatened harsh consequences if the snapback sanctions are triggered.—
Jennifer Hansler,
CNN Money,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Palace’s recruitment strategy depends on selling players, however difficult such deals are to stomach.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The Chamber said the cancellation was a difficult decision but ultimately the best course of action.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s another potential dynamic at play, too: Will humans be more willing to divulge more sensitive details to a machine than another human?—
Gina Chua,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The economically sensitive Dow Jones Industrial Average is outperforming the S & P 500 and touching fresh all-time highs following Powell's speech.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Indianapolis City-County Council Democrats on Aug. 27 rejected a Republican push to set specific fines for parents and guardians whose children violate the city's new, stricter youth curfew ordinance.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Climate activists will lean heavily on the ICJ opinion to justify stricter enforcement of the Paris Agreement.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
As night falls, armed thugs roam the streets and families pick up guns to protect themselves.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Digging and cutting back garden thugs is often necessary to preserve what grows on your side of the fence.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The flowers, which are shaped like a snapping turtle’s head, are held on erect stems flanked with leathery green leaves.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
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The leathery green leaves of wintergreen contrast well with its white flowers in summer, followed by bright red berries in fall.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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