1
2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in harsh
difficult to endure
tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
even if you study for it, it's still a tough exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in sensitive
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a tough supervisor who docked the pay of anyone who punched in late, no matter what the reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in thug
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
didn't want her son hanging out with the neighborhood toughs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tough
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
His positioning and angles are second to none, making tough saves look easy on a nightly basis in the NHL.
—Jesse Granger, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2023
Shots of Phoenix running from street toughs in his clown outfit are intercut with his social worker breaking up with him.
—Dan Brooks, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2019
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
Hot team Playing arguably the toughest schedule in the county, St. Augustine’s boys basketball team started the season 3-12.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
His positioning and angles are second to none, making tough saves look easy on a nightly basis in the NHL.
—Jesse Granger, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
By the numbers Gary Klein’s prediction The NFC West rival Rams and the Seahawks always play each other tough.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2023
Shots of Phoenix running from street toughs in his clown outfit are intercut with his social worker breaking up with him.
—Dan Brooks, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2019
See All Example Sentences for tough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
-
These scenarios would challenge AI agents to navigate prevailing themes about liberal international order and free trade that may prove brittle in the coming years.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The revelation prompted further alarm over the future of the brittle truce and hostage-for-prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel.—
Johnatan Reiss,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The additional accessories include two cloth liners, a sturdy lame with a wooden handle, four spare lame blades and a blade cover.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Among albums, Four Symbols is the sturdiest winner.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The protest was not politically motivated, but demonstrations in the country can sometimes lead to political unrest under the harsh regime.—
Brie Stimson,
Fox News,
16 Feb. 2025
-
The delays follow the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a warning over harsh weather for residents of Huntersville and Gastonia in North Carolina, which is also affecting the Charlotte Douglas Airport.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Stars of Durant’s stature can be notoriously difficult to pin down for interviews.—
Darnell Mayberry,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
President Donald Trump seems to have found himself in a difficult position regarding Medicaid.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.—
Terry Parris Jr.,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Many fractional leaders work across industries or sign non-compete agreements to avoid working with direct competitors, but companies must establish clear expectations to protect sensitive information.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The state, through the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), mandates that health care facilities meet strict seismic safety standards.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Congress can revise eligibility for welfare benefits and impose stricter time limits, alleviating the cost to taxpayers and reducing incentives to enter the country illegally.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Image In so many ways, Jan. 6 had become part of his brand — a brand in which an attack on the symbol of American democracy became a defense of that same democracy: a blow against political thugs and closet communists, deep-state plots and an unjust justice system.—
Dan Barry,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2025
-
The investigation leads Cole into an ugly world of red-neck thugs and disappeared girls.—
Sandra Dallas,
The Denver Post,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The earliest figures, naked and missing limbs, some suffering gouges or pocked with what look like the holes of beetle larvae, bring to mind eerie tales of automata or the leathery agonies of bog bodies.—
Peter Ross,
Smithsonian Magazine,
5 Apr. 2023
-
Making her first appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, the up-and-comer chose a leathery dress made of dark maroon panels that left a cutout pattern along the side.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
25 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share