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
  • Such a change would come at a time when Colombia under Petro’s leadership has strengthened its ties with China.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Not everyone’s bond is similarly strengthened.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Despite herself, Cali stiffened.
    Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.
    Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 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.

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Cite this Entry

“Harshened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshened. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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