toughen

verb

tough·​en ˈtə-fən How to pronounce toughen (audio)
toughened; toughening ˈtə-fə-niŋ How to pronounce toughen (audio)
ˈtəf-niŋ
Synonyms of toughennext

transitive verb

: to make tough

intransitive verb

: to become tough

Synonyms of toughen

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Examples of toughen in a Sentence

The government is toughening antidrug laws. weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Many of them urged the shah to toughen up and crack down harder on protesters. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 Later, in the 19th century, raw rubber erasers were toughened up with heat and sulphur. — Harriet Weber, Popular Science, 20 May 2026 Subaru sharpened it, toughened it and elevated it. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 29 May 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 See All Example Sentences for toughen

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of toughen was in 1582

Rhymes for toughen

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Browse Nearby Words

tough cookie
toughen
toughened glass
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Cite this Entry

“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toughen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

toughen

verb
tough·​en ˈtəf-ən How to pronounce toughen (audio)
toughened; toughening ˈtəf-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce toughen (audio)
: to make or become tough

More from Merriam-Webster on toughen

Nglish: Translation of toughen for Spanish Speakers

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