harshened

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshened
  1. strengthened
  2. stiffened
Verb
  • With tankers at a standstill and fuel prices climbing, the war strengthened a clean-power sales pitch.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • While Liang’s ties with the government have strengthened, his tech bets appear to be a convergence with Beijing’s priorities rather than state-directed, Wang noted.
    — Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthened
Verb
  • The possible move, unthinkable for legacy studios but in keeping with exits by businesses in other sectors, has only stiffened opposition to the merger in some corners.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Dogs that have stiffened up with age get an advanced joint-support chew with glucosamine, MSM, and collagen.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of stiffened
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.

Browse Nearby Words

harshen
harshened
harshening
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Cite this Entry

“Harshened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshened. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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