toughen

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.

As the demonstrators toughen their demands, the standoff with the government has escalated.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Hurley’s brutal training sessions do more than toughen his team up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

You've got to toughen up and get on with it, but you know, the senior boys were great...

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

A bipartisan bill released Thursday would toughen penalties against preparers who improperly handle returns.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

I had decided to brine the chicken—a soak in saltwater brine causes meat to absorb moisture and breaks down the proteins that can toughen it on the grill.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan