Thesaurus
harden
verb
Synonyms and Antonyms of HARDEN
1
to become physically firm or solid <the glue begins to harden as soon as it is exposed to air>
2
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure <pioneer women who had been hardened by years of living on the plains>
Related Words acclimate, acclimatize, adapt, adjust; anneal, temper; invigorate, vitalize; immunize; bolster, boost, brace, buttress, enforce, forearm, prop (up), reinforce (also reenforce), support; break in, limber (up), train; accustom, condition, habituate, naturalize
Near Antonyms emasculate, enervate, enfeeble, exhaust, sap, weaken; cripple, debilitate, hamstring, incapacitate; sensitize
Antonyms soften
3
4
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe <the government hardened restrictions on travel to and from the war-torn nation>
Antonyms ameliorate, ease
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up harden? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).