tough 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtəf How to pronounce tough (audio)
Definition of toughnext
1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort even if you study for it, it's still a tough exam

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2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters

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3
as in harsh
difficult to endure tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long

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4
as in chewy
not easily chewed her steak was so tough that she suggested the waiter use it as a hockey puck

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5
as in sensitive
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat

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6
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a tough supervisor who docked the pay of anyone who punched in late, no matter what the reason

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tough

2 of 2

noun

as in bully
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang didn't want her son hanging out with the neighborhood toughs

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How is the word tough different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tough are stalwart, stout, strong, sturdy, and tenacious. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

When can stalwart be used instead of tough?

The words stalwart and tough can be used in similar contexts, but stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would stout be a reasonable alternative to tough?

The words stout and tough are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When could strong be used to replace tough?

The meanings of strong and tough largely overlap; however, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for tough?

Although the words sturdy and tough have much in common, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When is tenacious a more appropriate choice than tough?

While in some cases nearly identical to tough, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

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 tough
Adjective
So times are tough for Americans seeking to break into the job market and those who lost their jobs and are looking for new work. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Kirby was coming off a couple of tough outings, including giving up six first-inning runs in his last start against the Brewers. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
The gangland drama is deeper and darker than the domestic one, strengthened by the unexpected portrayal of the Russian toughs as bumbling in their own way. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026 Cazale played the title character, an older man who becomes lost in Manhattan and is harassed by two young toughs, one of whom was portrayed by Pacino. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
  1. difficult
  2. sturdy
  3. harsh
  4. leathery
  5. sensitive
  6. strict
  7. criminal
  8. challenging
Adjective
  • The losses linked to the demise of these groups are difficult to quantify, but participants and advocates say the impacts will reverberate across federal agencies for years.
    — Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Ground surveys can provide more detailed information at a particular site, but covering an entire subway corridor that way would be difficult.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • These sturdy and reliable machines are great for both knocking out homework and streaming Netflix, with a big 24-inch FHD monitor that boasts good brightness and wide viewing angles.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Scott London Every year, Black Rock City appears on a dry lakebed in one of Nevada’s harshest areas, then disappears just as fast.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Hig has bunkered down with a grouchy companion, Bangley (Josh Brolin), who thrives in this harsh world.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Its windows framed the skyline through tangles of dark, leathery holm-oak leaves and, disorientingly, thick tree trunks rooted in enormous planters and secured against storms by vertical cables.
    — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner is an earthy, leathery scent that opens with a cheerful pop of mandarin, which brightens up the richer notes of rose, osmanthus, and vetiver.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of leathery
Adjective
  • Those could include remote sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles and other equipment that requires persistent, low-visibility power in remote and sensitive offshore and coastal environments, as well as power resiliency for forward military bases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Musk’s officials infiltrated department after department, canceling contracts, firing employees, viewing sensitive data, and kneecapping programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as foreign aid.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Under this administration, those rules and the ramifications for breaking them have gotten even stricter.
    — Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026
  • These former champions of AI data center investment in their states are now placing stricter standards on construction projects and requiring additional disclosures to root out more speculative activity.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of strict
Noun
  • Boxing is fun especially when the boxer in question is beating up criminals in East London.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Working together to track these flows would reduce the chance that international criminals can extend their reach beyond any single jurisdiction.
    — Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • For the healthcare providers in attendance, the party — which featured games and activities for the kids — is a chance to see the real-life impact of their often emotionally challenging work.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Because of the challenging terrain, the bridges are designed to be constructed without heavy machinery.
    — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of challenging

Phrases Containing tough

Browse Nearby Words

touchy-feely
tough
toughed it out
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Cite this Entry

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

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