harden
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for harden, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To become hard, or to make something hard or harder.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use harden
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
harden your resolve
harden a stance
attitudes hardened
Etymology
From Middle English hardenen, built from hard plus the verb-forming suffix -en.
Full origin of harden →Frequently asked questions
What does “harden” mean?
The word “harden” means to become hard, or to make something hard or harder. In plain terms, to make or become physically hard, or emotionally tougher and less easily affected.
How do you pronounce “harden”?
“Harden” is pronounced HAHDN (/ˈhɑɹdn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “harden” in a sentence?
Here is “harden” used in a sentence: “The clay hardens as it dries in the sun.”
What is another word for “harden”?
Words with a similar meaning to “harden” include anneal, indurate, obdurate, sclerotise, solidify and steel.
What is the opposite of “harden”?
The opposite of “harden” — its antonyms — is soften.
What part of speech is “harden”?
“Harden” is a verb.
Where does the word “harden” come from?
The word “harden” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hardenen, built from hard plus the verb-forming suffix -en.
Is “harden” a common word?
“Harden” is an uncommon word in modern English.
