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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toughen
Carter, a blend of elite physicality and tenacity, should toughen up what was a mediocre Giants defense last season.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
That’s when the Biden administration toughened its first round of AI tech restrictions from the prior year.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
The armed conflict, often erupting on public streets in cities across central and western Japan, has put pressure on authorities to toughen restrictions on the gangs.
—Junko Ogura, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
The charges come amid President Trump’s deluge of orders and policy changes intended to toughen immigration laws and facilitate deportations.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
That’s when the Biden administration toughened its first round of AI tech restrictions from the prior year.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
The armed conflict, often erupting on public streets in cities across central and western Japan, has put pressure on authorities to toughen restrictions on the gangs.
—Junko Ogura, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
The charges come amid President Trump’s deluge of orders and policy changes intended to toughen immigration laws and facilitate deportations.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toughen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen
Verb
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Renee advises strengthening organizations by defining behavioral standards and ensuring policies reinforce a culture of respect.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
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The yen has strengthened more than 8% since the start of the year.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Related article Ships, sea drones and AI: How NATO is hardening its defense of critical Baltic undersea cables CNN was not able to locate the registered owner of the Jaguar for comment.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
20 May 2025
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These devices must be hardened against attackers seeking stealthy persistence.—
Yuriy Bulygin,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The schedule stiffens considerably over the back half of the season.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
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Lucy’s Law, among other things, stiffens the penalties for seriously injuring someone in a boat crash.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughen. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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