1
as in to freeze
to become physically firm or solid
the glue begins to harden as soon as it is exposed to air
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2
as in to strengthen
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
pioneer women who had been hardened by years of living on the plains
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3
as in to toughen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
arm muscles that were hardened by all the years of casting and hauling his fishing nets
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4
as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
the government hardened restrictions on travel to and from the war-torn nation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harden
This only hardened their desire to diversify their partnerships, including by building closer ties with Russia and China, and pursue their own interests irrespective of American asks.
—
Dina Esfandiary, Time, 1 July 2025
The minerals in this groundwater helped harden the surface, and after thousands of years of being sandblasted by atmospheric winds, low ridges appeared at the foot of Mount Sharp.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 1 July 2025
For sticky spills: If a sticky spill has hardened and adhered to the suitcase lining, use the edge of a spoon or a butter knife to gently lift the substance up and away.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Iran rejects tight restrictions on its nuclear program and has hardened its stance after Israel and the U.S. targeted its nuclear facilities in June.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for harden
Dina Esfandiary, Time, 1 July 2025
The minerals in this groundwater helped harden the surface, and after thousands of years of being sandblasted by atmospheric winds, low ridges appeared at the foot of Mount Sharp.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 1 July 2025
For sticky spills: If a sticky spill has hardened and adhered to the suitcase lining, use the edge of a spoon or a butter knife to gently lift the substance up and away.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Iran rejects tight restrictions on its nuclear program and has hardened its stance after Israel and the U.S. targeted its nuclear facilities in June.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for harden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harden
Verb
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Coffee Ice Cubes: As mentioned, the Erin Rose uses a soft-serve machine to freeze all the ingredients, which means there’s no filler ice.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
19 July 2025
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Eat burritos warm or wrap individually in parchment paper, place in a zipper bag and freeze for up to two months.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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For example, strengthening your biceps can enhance your ability to perform a pull-up.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
14 July 2025
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Accompanied by a business delegation, investment deals were inked, along with agreements to strengthen business ties.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
14 July 2025
Verb
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The whole squad has put up an impressive 18 scores in four tourney matches, though competition now stiffens for single elimination.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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My forehead stiffened and went numb, like it was made of concrete that had suddenly set.—
Sarah Miller,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harden. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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