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toughening

  • present participle
    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:

McVay understands that the “old-school way” of toughening and preparing players for a season can be achieved without “killing us on the field,” Adams said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

"For the first time, we are seeing a softening of the stance rather than a toughening of it - this is a huge success for Poland. Although we will fight for more," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Several nations are toughening up age restrictions on social media platforms as concerns grow over excessive screen time for children and their exposure to harmful content online.

From Barron's ● Mar. 11, 2026

Legal scholars, however, say the recent criticism of provisional sentences ignores more than a decade of legislation and jurisprudence aimed at toughening up a legal system that can take years to reach a final verdict.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2025

“He needs some toughening up—y’all being too soft on him!”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia