1
as in to strengthen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to harden
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably
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3
as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
attempts to toughen conditions under which waivers from military service would be permitted
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Recent Examples of toughen
The Hawks didn’t just force the Knicks to toughen up.
—
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
In the nineties, hip-hop was toughening up the sound of American popular music; Jackson, fey and theatrical, seemed increasingly distant from the cultural mainstream.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Silver chrome and chain-link details toughen up an otherwise serene, jade green set.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Because the muscles in this area are not overly exerted, their tendons don't toughen (which is why a tenderloin is so tender).
—Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
In the nineties, hip-hop was toughening up the sound of American popular music; Jackson, fey and theatrical, seemed increasingly distant from the cultural mainstream.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Silver chrome and chain-link details toughen up an otherwise serene, jade green set.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Because the muscles in this area are not overly exerted, their tendons don't toughen (which is why a tenderloin is so tender).
—Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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The fragrance-free formula moisturizes with ceramides to help restore and strengthen the skin barrier, while the brand's signature thermal spring water soothes and rebalances stressed-out skin.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
19 June 2026
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Sign up for a short learning series that sharpens skills, then share one takeaway with someone close to strengthen connection.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Anna, her hauteur hardening like a protective shell, is aghast.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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As patterns become clear and predictable, the organization hardens them into deterministic rules.—
Jakob Freund,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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To execute its ruthless 66-pound weight loss program, the rear seats have been completely deleted, replaced by a massive structural strut brace that significantly stiffens the chassis.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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Nicks on the edge or stiffened, curled rubber will leave streaks.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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