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.

Like the cops, crooks and gangland toughs who populate his books, Don Winslow has something of a street fighter’s mentality.

From New York Times • Apr. 1, 2024

The entrepreneur, who for security reasons asked that neither he nor the specific nature of his business be identified, initially thought the calls were coming from neighborhood toughs pretending to have links to crime groups.

From Reuters • Oct. 29, 2022

“Rude Boy,” about the booming generation of young toughs running the streets of Kingston, has since become shorthand for a ska fan.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2021

Farmers, artisans, laborers, and even dockside toughs fought back with more demonstrations, hangings in effigy, and rounds of angry speeches fortified with strong drink and stronger language.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

Cleopatra would cheer for Mark Antony as he scuffled good-naturedly with rowdy toughs.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby