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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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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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

Lipa forwent the softer runway styling, and toughened up the ladylike silhouette with a pair of towering, lace-up black leather knee-high boots by Le Silla. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 Italy also temporarily toughened controls on travel from the country. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 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 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 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

Denim is a sturdy cotton textile that is woven in a twill pattern, creating a distinctive diagonal rib on the fabric’s surface.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Carrying a large pump spray bottle and a small, sturdy brush, Caitlin Abrams stood before two starkly contrasting graves in a modest cemetery in western Vermont.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Verb

Heidi Levine, the Washington Post journalist brutally attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank last week, said the terrifying ordeal has only strengthened her resolve to continue covering the plight of Palestinians.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
The past several months have strengthened our belief in what EA can become.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of strengthened

Verb

The Chiefs’ defense stiffened and Indy faced a fourth-and-8 from the 15-yard line.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
But after a quick touchdown drive to take a 34-27 lead, the Oregon defense stiffened, and closed out the win with back-to-back stops.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of stiffened

Adjective

Policymakers recognized that American companies needed a stronger reason to invest in innovation.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Meta Platforms, which is pushing its Muse AI agent, lost 7% after reporting stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, though its profit fell short.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

Their rugged shape acts as a welcome counterpoint, toughening up outfits with a particular cool girl edge.

— Nuria Luis, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
The headline addition is an external lens attachment that extends the camera's optical reach far beyond what standard rugged handsets offer.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of rugged

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“Toughened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toughened. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of toughened

adjective

verb

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