TOUGHEN Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

toughen

verb

ˈtə-fən

Definition of toughen

as in to strengthen

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to harden

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 to stiffen

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe attempts to toughen conditions under which waivers from military service would be permitted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of toughen Greece’s conservative government has been toughening its migration policies. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 Further back, Sasa Lukic will bring Premier League experience and toughen up the midfield with his strength in the tackle. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 But Reuters reported on Tuesday that many industry executives worry that without legislation future administrations may seek to overturn or toughen up the SEC's rules. — Hannah Lang, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 The order directs his administration to toughen air pollution evaluations, add noise restrictions and expand city bureaucrats’ authority to review water and electricity usage at data center facilities. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toughen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toughen

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

European countries have hardened their stance against Chinese imports over fears that an influx of goods like solar panels and EVs could hollow out the bloc’s industries.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The incident could further inflame tensions between the Koreas, which have no working military hotlines or other emergency communications channels as North Korea hardens its stance toward Seoul while expanding its military nuclear program.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of harden

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