Synonyms for

Tough

Adjective / tʌf / Another word for tough — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling

Synonyms & similar words

punk toughened hooligan problematic hoodlum rowdy elusive bully ruffian yobo yob hood sturdy yobbo hard roughneck rugged tender ruffianly bad goon baffling knotty problematical thug strong durable resilient sturdy robust rugged hardy tensile stiff firm inflexible unyielding difficult challenging demanding arduous grueling taxing rigorous strenuous

Synonyms by register

Formal

difficult arduous challenging rigorous

Informal

hard tricky nasty hairy

Literary

adamantine steely unyielding

Antonyms

easy simple gentle mild flexible soft yielding

Common collocations

  • tough decision
  • tough time
  • tough guy
  • tough cookie
  • tough competition
  • tough break
  • tough on
  • tough love

Word family

noun toughness
adjective tough
adverb toughly

Usage note

The word 'tough' can describe physical hardness, difficulty, or resilience. It is generally informal but widely understood.

Compare "tough" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The football player was tough and never gave up.
  2. My math homework was tough.
  3. The leather jacket was tough and could handle the rough weather.
  4. The teacher gave us a tough quiz.
  5. The hiker was tough and climbed the mountain with ease.

Quotes

  • When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
  • Tough times never last, but tough people do.
  • Life is tough, but so are you.

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