Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

have been toughening

  • present perfect progressive
    of toughen.
    toughen
    verb (used with or without object)
    to make or become tough or tougher.

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.

See Examples For:

Its European allies, with President Macron of France leading the way, have been toughening their language.

From BBC ● May 20, 2025

Government officials have been toughening verbal threats of intervention and issued their strongest warning to date on Thursday.

From Reuters ● Sep. 8, 2022