Definitions

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.

Each adds another layer of callus over the public conscience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2024

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

Will I have to ask for more time spent on that callus?

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2022

But you have to erase 660 pages every day, and get a callus on your finger that won’t go away for the rest of your life.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

Vocabulary lists containing callus

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