harshened

past tense of harshen
as in strengthened
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe recent changes to the drunk driving laws harshen penalties for repeat offenders

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshened
Verb
  • Away from social media, the roommates have settled into simple traditions that have only strengthened their friendship.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Flag football’s prolific growth has strengthened the sport at every amateur level from peewees to the Olympics and led to the NFL’s $32 million commitment for men’s and women’s professional flag leagues to debut next year.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
  • Nicks on the edge or stiffened, curled rubber will leave streaks.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Harshened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshened. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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