Synonyms for tough
116 synonyms for “tough”, grouped by meaning. Dark green words mean nearly the same thing; light green ones are close in some uses.
Tough as in “hard”
adjective: not given to gentleness or sentimentality
- hard
- hard-boiled
- obstinate
- stubborn
- uncompromising
- staunch
- resolute
- tenacious
- steadfast
- steady
- stalwart
- determined
- knotty
- adamant
- dogged
- vehement
- persistent
- intractable
- austere
- thug
- ruffian
- hoodlum
- chronic
- certain
- immovable
- sullen
- recalcitrant
- goon
- hooligan
- truculent
- hard-nosed
- hardheaded
- refractory
- pertinacious
- intransigent
- obdurate
- bullheaded
- mulish
- self-willed
- bloody-minded
- strong-armer
Tough as in “hardened”
adjective: physically toughened
- hardened
- harsh
- strict
- brutal
- callous
- severe
- stern
- cold
- icy
- rigorous
- cruel
- dour
- insensitive
- forbidding
- unsympathetic
- bully
- frosty
- heartless
- rowdy
- unmoved
- hardhearted
- insensate
- toughened
Tough as in “difficult”
adjective: very difficult; severely testing stamina or resolution
- difficult
- rugged
- rough
- rocky
- arduous
- challenging
- nasty
- sticky
- tricky
- uphill
- complex
- stringent
- formidable
- steep
- cutting
- delicate
- dense
- heavy
- problematic
- strenuous
- thorny
- inclement
- effortful
Tough as in “sturdy”
adjective: substantially made or constructed
- sturdy
- rigid
- grim
- stiff
- solid
- firm
- vigorous
- unyielding
- inflexible
- stout
- hardy
- robust
- strong
- concrete
- resistant
- unbending
Tough as in “violent”
adjective: violent and lawless
- violent
- fierce
- demanding
- punishing
- intense
- aggressive
Tough as in “bad”
adjective: feeling physical discomfort or pain (‘tough’ is occasionally used colloquially for ‘bad’)
- bad
- punk
- mean
- sharp
- critical
- hood
- painful
Can you name more synonyms for tough?
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