259 Another Word for Tough? – Tough Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say tough differently? Here are other words for tough and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of tough

The primary meaning of the word "tough" is having a strong and unyielding quality, either physically or mentally.

Etymology of tough

The word "tough" originates from the Old English word "tōh", meaning "strong" or "resilient"
It is also related to the Old Norse word "tōghr", meaning "strong" or "powerful"
The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something or someone that is strong, resilient, or unyielding

Synonyms

resilient strong robust sturdy rigid firm hard harsh severe rugged gruff difficult demanding challenging strenuous laborious arduous formidable intimidating unyielding uncompromising stubborn obstinate unrelenting merciless pitiless brutal savage ferocious fierce intense potent powerful forceful vigorous energetic dynamic toughened hardened tempered strengthened solid dense compact toughish rough coarse crude harsh abrasive gritty grueling exacting trying testing punishing backbreaking exhausting tiresome wearisome burdensome onerous oppressive heavy weighty formidable redoubtable formidable unconquerable invincible unassailable impenetrable unshakeable

Definitions

  • Having a strong and unyielding quality, either physically or mentally
  • Capable of withstanding difficult conditions or challenges
  • Feeling or showing no sympathy or kindness
  • Difficult to do or deal with
  • Having a rough or coarse quality

Usage Examples

  • The athlete's tough training regimen paid off when she won the championship
  • The tough decision had to be made to lay off employees due to financial difficulties
  • The hiker found the mountain trail to be tough and challenging
  • The teacher was tough on her students, but it was because she wanted them to succeed
  • The tough exterior of the building hid a beautiful and elegant interior

Antonyms

weak fragile delicate soft gentle mild moderate easy simple effortless undemanding lenient indulgent merciful kind compassionate sympathetic tender yielding submissive compliant accommodating flexible pliable feeble flimsy insubstantial lightweight airy trivial insignificant inconsequential unimportant slight petty negligible minimal

Related Adjectives

strong robust sturdy firm hard harsh severe rugged gruff difficult demanding challenging strenuous laborious arduous formidable intimidating unyielding uncompromising stubborn obstinate unrelenting merciless pitiless brutal savage ferocious fierce intense potent powerful forceful vigorous energetic dynamic toughened hardened tempered strengthened solid dense compact toughish rough coarse crude harsh abrasive gritty grueling exacting trying testing punishing backbreaking exhausting tiresome wearisome burdensome onerous oppressive heavy weighty formidable redoubtable unconquerable invincible unassailable impenetrable unshakeable

Related Nouns

strength resilience robustness sturdiness firmness hardness severity ruggedness gruffness difficulty challenge obstacle hurdle barrier test trial tribulation hardship adversity misfortune calamity disaster catastrophe toughness fortitude grit determination perseverance endurance stamina vigor potency power force energy dynamism

Related Verbs

strengthen toughen harden temper fortify robustify rigidify firm solidify compact densify intensify potentiate energize dynamize invigorate revitalize stiffen brutish savage fierce ferocious pitiless merciless unrelent compromise yield submit comply accommodate flex plier enfeeble weaken fragilize delicate soften gentle milden moderate ease simplify facilitate
Share your love