toughened 1 of 2

toughened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of toughen

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 toughened
Verb
Since the Supreme Court empowered local governments to crack down on homeless encampments in June, at least 40 jurisdictions around California have enacted new laws or toughened existing ones, according to the National Homelessness Law Center. Vanessa Rancaño, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024 Last year, the city toughened its national security law, and vocal political dissent has largely been silenced. Katie Tam and Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 Centrist politicians across Europe have toughened their migration policies in recent months, spooked by the electoral success of charismatic right-wing and anti-migrant leaders. Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 Officials began collecting information in August, about a month after President Biden toughened policies for asylum seekers at the Mexican border. Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 The bipartisan bill toughened background checks for the youngest firearms buyers, barred a larger group of domestic violence offenders from having guns, and assisted states in carrying out red flag laws. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 The general rules of granting asylum will be toughened. Monika Scislowska, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 Harris, like her boss, has recently toughened her position on border security. Charlotte Alter / Pittsburgh, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 The centre-right government toughened migration policy in June. Afp, Fortune Europe, 30 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughened
Adjective
  • The shed has built-in ventilation, a window, sturdy flooring, and a padlock-compatible locking mechanism on the door.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • These insights shaped every detail of the grill—from the cook engine to the closed cabinet that discreetly hides the gas tank to the sturdy stainless-steel handle, a signature of Weber quality.
    Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The first direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time, according to the report.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Dubai Duty Free also strengthened its senior management team with eight senior managers appointed to key roles, including seven UAE nationals.
    Kevin Rozario, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Interestingly, the satellites won’t be hardened against radiation.
    John Koetsier, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • But the war has hardened Putin’s resolve and narrowed his options.
    Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Sweet gum grows 60-75 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 5-9. 06 of 07 Tulip Tree Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) roots are fleshy and sparse.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Trees and shrubs that have historically been hardy in this area can also struggle with frost in the early spring.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • This likely helped maintain its brand trust during tough times. 8.
    Paul Klein, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • As long as Flagg is on the floor, the Blue Devils will be a tough out.
    Tobias Bass, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This ceramic vase has a rugged, natural matte texture and measures 14.4 inches high, so it’s bound to be a statement piece on your table, mantle, etc.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Average or above skaters who can make plays and contribute to the rugged side of the game.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toughened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughened. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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