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
These words upset the European elites, but were tough love for our old allies.
—
John Seiler, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
To bring Big Black back to the prep football pinnacle, Nathan Johnson dished out some tough love.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
Executive producer Lisa reprised her perennial role as wise boss keeping her staff in line, though not so vigilantly as to interfere with the drama, through tough love.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Below, Singh and Musteata speak to Deadline about riskily filming in Paris, the problem with kissing and creating a world of hurt and tough love.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tough love
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John Seiler, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
To bring Big Black back to the prep football pinnacle, Nathan Johnson dished out some tough love.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
Executive producer Lisa reprised her perennial role as wise boss keeping her staff in line, though not so vigilantly as to interfere with the drama, through tough love.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Below, Singh and Musteata speak to Deadline about riskily filming in Paris, the problem with kissing and creating a world of hurt and tough love.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 Nov. 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 1 Jan. 2026.
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