harshens

verb

present tense third-person singular of harshen
as in strengthens
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe recent changes to the drunk driving laws harshen penalties for repeat offenders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshens
  1. strengthens
  2. stiffens
Verb
  • Research also suggested that traveling together strengthens family bonds, and experiencing new cultures firsthand helps children expand their worldview.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Antimony strengthens ammunition and armor and supports military technologies, including night-vision systems and flares.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthens
Verb
  • This remains soft during low-energy movement but stiffens upon high-impact force.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • For seven-and-a-half years, Ladd had dealt with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that stiffens and scars the lungs.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 June 2026
Definition of stiffens
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.

Browse Nearby Words

harshening
harshens
harshly
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Cite this Entry

“Harshens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshens. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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