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
Pressure with no credible pathway to change can harden control and deepen Cuba's dependence on whichever patrons are still willing to underwrite and subsidize its stagnation.
—
Ricardo Torres, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
Some clays will take slightly longer, while others can even begin to harden in a matter of hours.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
If anything, Lane Kiffin’s decision to bolt for LSU seemed to harden Ole Miss’ resolve, pushing the Rebels to the best season in school history — and within a game of their first national championship game.
—Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
Utilities have spent more to harden their grids against extreme weather.
—Claire Hao, Houston Chronicle, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harden
Verb
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The tiny liquid droplets in the fog can freeze instantly to any surface, including vehicles and road surfaces.—
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There’s roughly two and a half months left of the winter season, which means that there are plenty of chilly evenings, snow storms, and freeze warnings to look forward to.—
Verb
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That voice continued to echo during Tuesday’s meeting as environmental advocates are moving to strengthen the Marine Protected Area network and coastlines.—
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Even short bouts of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, boost mood and strengthen the heart.—
Verb
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Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.—
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Cream of tartar or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to help the meringue stiffen.—
Cite this Entry
“Harden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harden. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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