Synonyms for
Tough
Definition
strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling
Synonyms & similar words
hood
ruffianly
bad
thug
rugged
strongarmer
problematic
elusive
hoodlum
problematical
ruffian
rowdy
bully
goon
hooligan
punk
roughneck
toughie
hard
streetfighter
toughened
yob
baffling
knotty
tender
strong
durable
resilient
sturdy
robust
rugged
hardy
tensile
stiff
firm
inflexible
unyielding
difficult
challenging
demanding
arduous
grueling
taxing
rigorous
strenuous
Synonyms by register
Formal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- tough decision
- tough time
- tough guy
- tough cookie
- tough competition
- tough break
- tough on
- tough love
Word family
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
- The football player was tough and never gave up.
- My math homework was tough.
- The leather jacket was tough and could handle the rough weather.
- The teacher gave us a tough quiz.
- 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.