tough

modif.

1. Strong

   robust, wiry, mighty; see strong 1, 2.

2. Cohesive

   solid, firm, sturdy, hard, hardened, adhesive, leathery, coherent, inseparable, molded, tight, cemented, unbreakable, in one piece, dense, closely packed.

   Antonyms weak*, fragile*, brittle. *

3. Difficult to chew

   uncooked, half-cooked, gristly, sinewy, indigestible, inedible, fibrous, old, tough as shoe-leather*; see also raw 1.

   Antonyms soft*, tender*, overcooked.

4. Difficult

   unyielding, hard, resisting, troublesome, onerous, intricate, puzzling, laborious; see also difficult 1, severe 1.

   Antonyms easy*, simple*, obvious. *

5. Hardy

   robust, sound, capable; see healthy 1.

6. *Rough and cruel

   savage, fierce, desperate, ferocious, ruffianly, uproarious, terrible, rapacious, riotous, uncontrollable, unmanageable.

   Antonyms friendly*, genial*, easygoing. *

7. *Unfavorable

   bad, unfortunate, untimely; see unfavorable 2.

8. *Excellent

   fine, first-class, premium; see excellent.

tough it out