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.
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 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 Advertisement So, as now, many men followed the adage that when the going gets tough, the tough, well… toughen up. — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026 Officials have also toughened their stance on capital leaving the country. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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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