LEATHERY Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

leathery

adjective

ˈle-t͟hə-rē

Definition of leathery

as in tough

not easily chewed the leathery meat served in the cafeteria drove many of us to start bringing our own lunches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 leathery The affected tissue has a dark, leathery appearance and may be colonized by a bacteria giving it a black color. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 The flowers have thick, leathery petals that give the plant its common name and are visited by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 July 2026 Oleander is a summer stunner in USDA hardiness zones 8 and above with dozens of fragrant blooms set against dark green, leathery leaves. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 25 June 2026 The look embodied dark punk sensibility, with a monochrome black color scheme, leathery gloves and strapless, structured bodice, among other details. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for leathery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leathery

Adjective

The war, and in particular Iran’s direct targeting of the Gulf, makes this approach a tough pill to swallow.

— Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
The conversation shifted from tougher ordinances toward resource allocation and investing in third spaces, which are places outside of work, school or home.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Ash trees are prone to emerald ash borers that weaken the wood and risk damage from brittle limbs that eventually fall.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Extending the plant’s life through 2045 means 15 more years of nuclear waste and seismic risk as the 1980s-era plant gets older and more brittle.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of brittle

Browse Nearby Words

leathers

leathery

leave

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Leathery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leathery. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of leathery

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

illustrious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes