Examples of toughen in a Sentence
The government is toughening antidrug laws.
weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
Recent Examples on the Web
Senior forward Devan Cambridge believes UCF sometimes gets too comfortable and needs to toughen up, particularly on defense.
—
Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2026
On her feet were a pair of custom Conquillas by Christian Louboutin, referencing the memorable fall winter 2014 shoes with a spiked silhouette and heelless platform—toughened up, but still reminiscent of the super-arched shoes of the Barbie era.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
His detractors, however, criticize the mayor for focusing on short-term housing for the homeless at the expense of long-term solutions, threatening to arrest homeless people, and supporting Proposition 36, which Newsom opposed, that toughened penalties against repeat drug and theft offenses.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
This is a program that needs someone who will light a fire under the defense, that will toughen up the Trojans on that side of the ball.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
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.
Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2026
On her feet were a pair of custom Conquillas by Christian Louboutin, referencing the memorable fall winter 2014 shoes with a spiked silhouette and heelless platform—toughened up, but still reminiscent of the super-arched shoes of the Barbie era.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
His detractors, however, criticize the mayor for focusing on short-term housing for the homeless at the expense of long-term solutions, threatening to arrest homeless people, and supporting Proposition 36, which Newsom opposed, that toughened penalties against repeat drug and theft offenses.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
This is a program that needs someone who will light a fire under the defense, that will toughen up the Trojans on that side of the ball.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toughen. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
