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
Wondering how to toughen up your go-to essentials for beach trips and lavish destinations?
—
Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 7 May 2025
The state has determined that the grading scale for high schools may be too easy, since 82% of all high schools received an A or a B. Under state law, the grading scale must be toughened if more than 75% of schools in a particular category receive A’s and B’s.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Advertisement Still, both sides have toughened their positions on certain key issues.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 July 2025
The death of Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson sparked an Ohio Republican senator to introduce a bill to toughen penalties for anyone found guilty of assault on a federal officer.
—Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 7 May 2025
The state has determined that the grading scale for high schools may be too easy, since 82% of all high schools received an A or a B. Under state law, the grading scale must be toughened if more than 75% of schools in a particular category receive A’s and B’s.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Advertisement Still, both sides have toughened their positions on certain key issues.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 July 2025
The death of Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson sparked an Ohio Republican senator to introduce a bill to toughen penalties for anyone found guilty of assault on a federal officer.
—Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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Knowing whether the solution keeps your headcount neutral or—better yet—helps net some efficiency only strengthens your argument.—
Dave Merkel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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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
Verb
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That those brilliant turquoise waves had flattened and hardened into muted whites and grays.—
Laura Poppick
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
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Bottom line Gel polishes are painted on, similar to regular nail polish, and require UV or LED light to harden.—
Rebecca Dancer,
Allure,
18 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
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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