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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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 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

In this role, Baudry will lead Bobbi Brown’s global strategy, strengthening the brand’s distinctive equity, advancing innovation and creativity and deepening consumer engagement.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
The larger spread also strengthens hospitals’ incentive to choose costlier drugs and move treatment into 340B billing sites.

— Casey B. Mulligan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of strengthen

Verb

But one of the positives Glenn highlighted was the defense stiffening in the red zone against Chicago, which went 2 of 7 inside the New York 20-yard line.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and the like will help keep your robe soft and absorbent as these formulas could break down the fabric, leave behind fabric-stiffening residue, or cause pilling and other concerns.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of stiffen

Browse Nearby Words

harsh

harshen

harshened

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“Harshen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshen. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of harshen

verb

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