tough love
noun
: love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior
Examples of tough love in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The six-time All-Star was not good enough for his team, and Wade couldn't help but provide his former teammate with some tough love.
—
Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
There’s some tough love in these tips, but this is a tough process in what’s looking to be toughening times.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
In spring training, Megill instructed Hefner, who typically carries a calming disposition, to show some tough love.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The tough love from Spoelstra, Dragic told Jovic, is a sign of respect.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025
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Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
There’s some tough love in these tips, but this is a tough process in what’s looking to be toughening times.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
In spring training, Megill instructed Hefner, who typically carries a calming disposition, to show some tough love.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The tough love from Spoelstra, Dragic told Jovic, is a sign of respect.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tough love
Cite this Entry
“Tough love.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough%20love. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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