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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Recent Examples of toughen
To be fair, Tommy did tell her to toughen up when taking over the company!
—
William Earl, Variety, 14 Dec. 2025
While running to be German chancellor this year, Friedrich Merz vowed to toughen the country’s migration policy.
—Suman Naishadham, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2025
The new figures come as Berlin toughens its stance on China, while trying not to rankle its top trading partner.
—semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Cowboys’ Dak Attack is the better offense here, and ‘Boys defense has toughened since earlier in the season.
—Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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Its formula of ceramides, astaxanthin, and arginine strengthen, provide elasticity, and heal weak or broken hair.—
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The meeting comes as Tokyo seeks to rein in a deepening diplomatic and trade rift with China while strengthening ties with allies to counter Beijing’s attempts to isolate Japan.—
Verb
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Parashat Va’era tells us that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, but the Torah does not describe him as raging all the time.—
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Areas where light is let through cause the polymer at those locations to harden, while areas kept in the dark stay fluid.—
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
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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