HARSHEN Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

harshen

verb

ˈhär-shən

Definition of harshen

as in to strengthen

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe recent changes to the drunk driving laws harshen penalties for repeat offenders

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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 harshen The mayor's new legislative effort will also seek to harshen penalties for firearms and ghost guns, officials said Monday. — Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 15 May 2023 Seven Memphis police officers were fired in the wake of Nichols' death, which sparked national uproar and harshened the spotlight on police brutality. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 4 May 2023 Unfortunately, the film only takes a cursory, superficial glance at this societal malady, as if a deeper dive would harshen the mellow of its romantic comedy. — Odie Henderson, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2022 As time goes on, more voters could harshen their view of Biden, as all of these problems are under his tent now. — Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, 24 Feb. 2021 The impetus for the line came not just from the rise of the ingredient-conscious consumer, but also in response to the ever-harshening realities of modern life. — Rebecca Dancer, Allure, 13 Dec. 2019 Protests by tens of thousands before the election and on the eve of his inauguration lead to legislation harshening penalties for unauthorized political protests. — Fox News, 18 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshen

Verb

The goal is to strengthen leadership skills and explore key topics, including entrepreneurship, innovation, change management, communication and self-promotion.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Low pressure strengthening off the Carolina coast will gradually move northward, while high pressure remains anchored to our north.

— Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of strengthen

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harsh

harshen

harshened

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“Harshen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshen. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of harshen

verb

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