English word
Tough
Definitions
adjective
- difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with
- glutinous, sticky
- capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor
- unruly, rowdyish
- strong or firm in texture but flexible and not brittle
- not easily chewed
- characterized by severity or uncompromising determination
- see also get tough on
- very hard to influence : stubborn
- stubbornly fought
- marked by absence of softness or sentimentality
Synonyms for tough
Closest evidence-backed alternatives.
Synonyms by context
(of a person, animal or material) Able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
adjective
Demonstrating a strict and uncompromising approach
adjective
Difficult and requiring determination or effort
adjective
A person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable
noun
- intimidator
- tormentor
- persecutor
- oppressor
- tormenter
- browbeater
- bullyboy
- bulldozer
A contemptible or morally reprehensible person
noun
- rascal
- scoundrel
- rogue
- villain
- reprobate
- wretch
- miscreant
- knave
- baddy
- beast
Antonyms for tough
(of a person, animal or material) Opposite of able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
Opposite of demonstrating a strict and uncompromising approach
- lenient
- indulgent
- clement
- forbearing
- gentle
- lax
- tolerant
- accommodating
- benign
Opposite of difficult and requiring determination or effort
Opposite of a rough and violent person
- wimp
- coward
- weakling
- chicken
- pansy
- pushover
- wuss
- baby
- doormat
- poltroon
Opposite of an uncouth and aggressive man or boy
- gentleman
- smoothie
- exciter
- charmer
- enthusiast
Phrases
- built to last
- difficult to keep down
- extra strong
- hard as nails
- immune to
- impervious to
- invulnerable to
- made to last
- quick to bounce back
- quick to recover
- rock hard
- rolling with punches
- strongly made
- tough as nails
- tough as old boots
- very high quality