TOUGHENED Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

toughened 1 of 2

adjective

as in sturdy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure a group of toughened mountain bikers barreling up the hill

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

toughened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of toughen

as in strengthened

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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as in hardened

to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure hiking every morning through snow and ice toughened him considerably

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stiffened

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

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 toughened

Adjective

But her thickened skin, along with her toughened reputation, felt supple now. — Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 Trump announced a toughened stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Monday, setting a 50-day deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire or face sanctions. — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 July 2025

Verb

But after Martínez-Olguín set the trial for March 2 — instead of November as Paramount had asked — the company grew antsy and toughened its legal tactics. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Officials have also toughened their stance on capital leaving the country. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 The polo top denotes a sense of put-togetherness, with any sense of stuffiness softened when styled with feminine skirts or toughened up with denim and leather. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 July 2026 Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech firms, urging or forcing them to adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones. — Paul Sandle, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones. — Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 Subaru sharpened it, toughened it and elevated it. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 Scheffler started hot but cooled off as conditions toughened later in the day. — Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026 His detractors, however, criticize the mayor for focusing on short-term housing for the homeless at the expense of long-term solutions, threatening to arrest homeless people, and supporting Proposition 36, which Newsom opposed, that toughened penalties against repeat drug and theft offenses. — Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughened

Adjective

Natural and lab-grown diamonds are sturdy enough to hold up to everyday wear, with gems like sapphire and moissanite right behind them.

— Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
These sturdy and reliable machines are great for both knocking out homework and streaming Netflix, with a big 24-inch FHD monitor that boasts good brightness and wide viewing angles.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of sturdy

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

Adjective

Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

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

The fire remains active in all directions — primarily within the Ventana Wilderness, which is also remote and rugged terrain.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Civilian infrastructure failed or disappeared, telecommunications broke down, and hundreds of thousands of people were stranded in what was already a relatively remote, rugged corner of the country.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of rugged

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toughen

toughened

toughening

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

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Synonyms of toughened

adjective

verb

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