1
as in strengthens
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hardens
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stiffens
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
attempts to toughen conditions under which waivers from military service would be permitted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughens
Verb
-
This strengthens the case that a massive, hidden planet orbiting inside the disk has been shaping its structure since the system’s youth.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Sep. 2025 -
The bill strengthens protections against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination in K-12 schools by setting clear classroom standards, increasing accountability for local school agencies and establishing teacher and administrator training.—
Daniel Klein,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When a partner continually feels trapped behind excuses or counterattacks, the original frustration then hardens into resentment.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
But as Beijing hardens its ties with Russia, North Korea and other nations unfriendly to the West, the emergence of two camps and the contest between them appears clearer than ever.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Toughens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughens. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share