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
Tehran's rejection shows that U.S. pressure has hardened its stance, narrowing oversight after damage to its nuclear sites and suspended inspections.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Many had been taught to feel shame in Native culture and language at Indian boarding schools; others had been hardened by prison stints or by the harsh realities of urban poverty.
—Nick Estes, New Yorker, 26 June 2025
Almost overnight, the movie calendar hardened into something nearly sacred.
—Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Threats to kill Iran’s leader will harden Tehran’s position, embolden hardliners, and complicate efforts to reach a diplomatic solution.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harden
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Many had been taught to feel shame in Native culture and language at Indian boarding schools; others had been hardened by prison stints or by the harsh realities of urban poverty.
—Nick Estes, New Yorker, 26 June 2025
Almost overnight, the movie calendar hardened into something nearly sacred.
—Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Threats to kill Iran’s leader will harden Tehran’s position, embolden hardliners, and complicate efforts to reach a diplomatic solution.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harden
Verb
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To freeze cut tomatoes, place in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or plate, and freeze until firm to keep them from sticking together.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
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But in January, DOE grant funding was frozen while President Donald Trump's administration reviewed individual awardees.—
Rick Barrett,
jsonline.com,
7 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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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
Verb
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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
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Many Republicans would like to stiffen the work requirements by requiring work of recipients who are up to age 65 or are the parents of children who are more than six years old.—
Tracy Roof,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harden. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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