1
as in to strengthen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to harden
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
attempts to toughen conditions under which waivers from military service would be permitted
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughen
The Crusaders toughened their schedule this season and take a 25-5 record to the regional.
—
Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
After allowing nearly 86 points per game during a seven-game losing streak, the Knights have toughened up on defense, allowing 76.8 during the recent four-game stretch.
—Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
Fullerton is the latest city in Orange County to toughen enforcement of anti-camping policies following the Supreme Court’s ruling over the summer that doing so does not amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
Bloomberg News reported last week, citing people familiar with the matter, that the Trump administration is looking to toughen restrictions on China’s chip industry.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
After allowing nearly 86 points per game during a seven-game losing streak, the Knights have toughened up on defense, allowing 76.8 during the recent four-game stretch.
—Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
Fullerton is the latest city in Orange County to toughen enforcement of anti-camping policies following the Supreme Court’s ruling over the summer that doing so does not amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
Bloomberg News reported last week, citing people familiar with the matter, that the Trump administration is looking to toughen restrictions on China’s chip industry.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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With the right incentives and accountability, the sector could help scale sustainable technologies, strengthen regional markets, and build resilience across food systems.—
Daphne Ewing-Chow,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Liverpool’s owners at Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are expected to set aside money to replace any outgoing players and strengthen the squad ahead of Slot’s second season in charge.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Tomato seedlings that aren't hardened off can struggle to grow or adapt to the outdoor climate after transplanting.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
23 Mar. 2025
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March 27 is an opportunity to dissolve barriers between the heart and the soul, and to soften the edges where hurt has hardened us.—
Colin Bedell,
Them,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Inflation, perhaps stiffened by tariffs, and uncertainty over the future of the labor market have left consumers feeling uneasy.—
DeArbea Walker,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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After a second quarter defensive letdown, the Heat stiffened against a team that leads the league in points per 100 possessions, at 122.4.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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