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
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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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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
This isn’t some fashion formula that’s difficult to decode; these beautiful dresses are easily toughened up with slouchy leather boots to create a cool juxtaposition for day and look just as swell with open toe mules for springtime evenings.
—
Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
On Monday night in the Oval Office, Trump signed some executive orders toughening immigration policies and enforcement.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
The alleged attack comes amid President Trump’s deluge of orders and policy changes intended to toughen immigration laws and facilitate deportations.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
While some states and localities eliminated cash bail requirements on some crimes, legislatures in other states have looked at ways to toughen bail requirements.
—Larry Kaplow, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
On Monday night in the Oval Office, Trump signed some executive orders toughening immigration policies and enforcement.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
The alleged attack comes amid President Trump’s deluge of orders and policy changes intended to toughen immigration laws and facilitate deportations.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
While some states and localities eliminated cash bail requirements on some crimes, legislatures in other states have looked at ways to toughen bail requirements.
—Larry Kaplow, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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To strengthen cultural ties between France and the U.S. by promoting the work of a young contemporary composer, Pisar initiated the Pisar Prize, a collaboration between Juilliard and Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
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Women directors can take a lead role in strengthening stakeholder relations.—
Committee of 200,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To start, harden off your seedlings over a two-week period and then plant them in a sunny, well-draining garden bed or 8- to 12-inch pots.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Apr. 2025
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The Mexican leader did harden her language on the topic following the Los Alegres del Barranco concert.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 2025.
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