toughed
Stuck it out
Toughed is the past tense of tough used as a verb, appearing almost exclusively in the phrase toughed it out—meaning to endure difficulty through determination rather than skill or resources: We toughed out the winter without heat.
The verb form is informal but widely understood.
Continued despite difficulty
- enduredBore without yielding
- weatheredEroded by exposure
- survivedRemained alive through hardship
- withstoodSuccessfully opposed or survived
gutted · rode out · braved · soldiered on · pushed through · gritted · lasted · held out
Confronted without retreating
- stared downDefeated by unblinking gaze
- challengedDisputed or questioned
- defiedOpenly resisted authority
- resistedRefused to yield
squared off · bullied · intimidated · pressured · strong-armed · pushed back · asserted · dominated
persevered
Continued despite difficulty
withstood · gutted · rode out · braved · soldiered on · pushed through · gritted · lasted · held out · bore
stood up to
Confronted without retreating
- stared downDefeated by unblinking gaze
- challengedDisputed or questioned
- defiedOpenly resisted authority
resisted · squared off · bullied · intimidated · pressured · strong-armed · pushed back · asserted · dominated · unflinching
toughedsurrendered
Ceased resistance formally
gave up · quit · capitulated · yielded · caved
toughedcrumbled
Broke into particles
broke down · collapsed · fell apart · cracked · buckled
- tough luckDismissive acknowledgment of misfortune
- tough guyIntimidating, resilient person
- tough it outEndure without quitting
- tough loveBeneficial strictness from affection
- tough as nailsExceptionally strong and durable
- toughen upBecome less easily hurt
tough, toughness, toughen, toughest, toughened, toughs, toughening, toughing, toughly