tough love
noun
: love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior
Examples of tough love in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During the July 20 episode of Den of Kings — hosted by gospel icon Kirk Franklin — Perry joined Jeezy and Derrick Hayes for a conversation that touched on legacy and tough love.
—
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
And Barry wasn’t done with his tough love talk for losers.
—Grace Curley, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers offered some tough love to a fan at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament over the weekend.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Amid grief and surprises, Madea pounces on some hidden family secrets, turning the funeral into a hilarious therapy session before delivering some trademark tough love and hilarious jokes.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tough love
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.
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
And Barry wasn’t done with his tough love talk for losers.
—Grace Curley, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers offered some tough love to a fan at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament over the weekend.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Amid grief and surprises, Madea pounces on some hidden family secrets, turning the funeral into a hilarious therapy session before delivering some trademark tough love and hilarious jokes.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tough love
Cite this Entry
“Tough love.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough%20love. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share