1
as in strengthens
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hardens
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stiffens
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
attempts to toughen conditions under which waivers from military service would be permitted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughens
Through the efforts of the foundation, the Florida Legislature passed a law in 2025 that toughens penalties for boating crashes that end in serious injury, for providing misleading statements to law enforcement during a boat-crash investigation, and boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
Senegal’s president signed a law Monday that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—
Aleksandar Furtula,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Iran’s president toughens tone Pezeshkian said Iran’s military response would only strengthen.
—
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
Iran’s president toughens tone In video comments Sunday, Pezeshkian said Iran’s military response would only strengthen.
—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
8 Mar. 2026
Consider that go-to little black dress; adding a sleek leather belt and some edgy silver jewelry toughens it up, and gives it a completely different vibe.
—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Assembly Bill 1087 toughens penalties for drivers who cause a death while under the influence of intoxicants.
—
Sacbee.com,
4 Jan. 2026
Curing toughens the skin and helps heal small cuts, extending the squash's shelf life.
—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
Senegal’s president signed a law Monday that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—
Aleksandar Furtula,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.
—
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Iran’s president toughens tone Pezeshkian said Iran’s military response would only strengthen.
—
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
Iran’s president toughens tone In video comments Sunday, Pezeshkian said Iran’s military response would only strengthen.
—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
8 Mar. 2026
Consider that go-to little black dress; adding a sleek leather belt and some edgy silver jewelry toughens it up, and gives it a completely different vibe.
—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Assembly Bill 1087 toughens penalties for drivers who cause a death while under the influence of intoxicants.
—
Sacbee.com,
4 Jan. 2026
Curing toughens the skin and helps heal small cuts, extending the squash's shelf life.
—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughens
Verb
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Culture strengthens when communication is transparent, feedback loops close and leaders are accountable for engagement.
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Scientists say similar widespread impacts have not yet been documented in the current marine heatwave, but warn that conditions could shift quickly if El Niño strengthens as forecast.
Verb
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As patterns become clear and predictable, the organization hardens them into deterministic rules.
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Practically overnight, Sylvia’s cozy attitude toward the girl hardens into coolness, impatience and neglect.
Verb
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For seven-and-a-half years, Ladd had dealt with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that stiffens and scars the lungs.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Toughens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughens. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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