callus

[kal-uhs] / ˈkæl əs /

VERB

harden

Synonyms

STRONG

acclimate acclimatize adapt adjust blunt brutalize callous coarsen conform deaden develop discipline dull embitter habituate indurate inure numb paralyze roughen season steel stiffen strengthen stun stupefy teach train

WEAK

case-harden climatize make callous render insensitive

Antonyms

STRONG

disarrange disorder enliven neglect unfit weaken

WEAK

be intolerant indulge liquefy melt soften spoil

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I want to build up a callus of hard work,” Fisch said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2024

And that callus blocks the need to find that time.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023

The cells formed a tumorlike tissue known as callus that could then be coaxed to grow into a seedling.

From Science Magazine • May 17, 2023

An additional wrinkle with warts that happen to be on the bottom of the foot: A callus can further protect them.

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2022

Tom looked down at his hands and picked at a loose piece of callus with a broken nail.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck