hardened

[hahr-dnd] / ˈhɑr dnd /

ADJECTIVE

unfeeling

Synonyms

STRONGEST

coldhearted seasoned

STRONG

accustomed benumbed callous habituated indurated inured prepared steeled toughened unbending

WEAK

case-hardened contemptuous cruel disdainful hard as nails hard-bitten hard-boiled hardhearted heartless impenetrable impious inaccessible irreverent obdurate obtuse resistant unashamed uncaring uncompassionate unemotional unrepenting unsubmissive

Antonyms

WEAK

compassionate feeling kind nice sympathetic

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.

“It hardened the resolve in the region and cemented the alignment within the Gulf with the U.S.”

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

“They’ve been hardened, apparently, by this war, and they don’t show any signs of yielding.”

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Over time, the mineral deposits hardened the fractured zones into ridges.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

At times, his position appears to have hardened against Russia.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

She shook her head and her eyes hardened.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani