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toughen up

VERB

condition

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accustom brainwash educate

STRONG

equip habituate inure modify practice program ready sharpen train

WEAK

build up loosen up make ready shape up tone up warm up whip into shape work out work over

Antonyms

STRONG

forget neglect

VERB

temper

Synonyms

STRONG

anneal bake braze cement chill congeal dry indurate mold petrify set solidify starch steel stiffen strengthen toughen

Antonyms

STRONG

discourage dissuade liquefy melt separate soften weaken

WEAK

aggravate agitate bend excite flex infuriate upset

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.

Cyber security - Originally announced in Labour's first King's Speech, in July 2024, this much delayed piece of legislation is designed to toughen up protections for critical infrastructure and supply chains.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Any delay is likely to spark UK frustration, as it has long pressed Berlin to toughen up its rules and enforcement.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

Would you say you use beautiful melodies to soften an acerbic lyric or use acerbic lyrics to toughen up a beautiful melody?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024

Ministers are interested in proposals to toughen up community orders as an alternative to jail, to reduce the number of offenders in prisons.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024

After the divorce, Dad decided we both needed to toughen up, that we needed to learn to stand on our own.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes

toughen up

Example Sentences

Related Words