LEATHERY Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

leathery

adjective

ˈle-t͟hə-rē

Definition of leathery

as in tough

not easily chewed the leathery meat served in the cafeteria drove many of us to start bringing our own lunches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of leathery Most bats have soft fur, large ears, leathery wings stretched over long finger bones, and tiny, sharp teeth designed for catching insects or feeding on nectar and fruit. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2026 The affected tissue has a dark, leathery appearance and may be colonized by a bacteria giving it a black color. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 The flowers have thick, leathery petals that give the plant its common name and are visited by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 July 2026 Oleander is a summer stunner in USDA hardiness zones 8 and above with dozens of fragrant blooms set against dark green, leathery leaves. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for leathery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leathery

Adjective

The war, and in particular Iran’s direct targeting of the Gulf, makes this approach a tough pill to swallow.

— Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
The conversation shifted from tougher ordinances toward resource allocation and investing in third spaces, which are places outside of work, school or home.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Many of the blades made late in the war were rushed through production, and many slipped through that were too brittle or too soft.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
That moisturizing combination can benefit dry, brittle strands, too, since better lubricated hair creates less friction—and potentially less tangling and mechanical breakage—during brushing and styling.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of brittle

Adjective

To experience a thicker, chewier noodle, order the tsukemen (dipping-style ramen) with a broth, as dense as gravy, fusing the essences of pork, chicken and fish.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Cream of tartar adds a touch of tang but keeps the cookies chewy, too.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of chewy

Browse Nearby Words

leathers

leathery

leave

See all Nearby Words

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

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Synonyms of leathery

adjective

Example Sentences

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