1
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
Kelly fortified herself for the basketball tournament with a series of confidence-boosting exercises
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to strengthen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
he downed another granola bar to fortify himself for the rest of the bike ride
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to harden
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
bought lots of warm clothing to fortify ourselves against the cold
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fortify
His presence fortified the trail’s grapevine, with both hikers and people who live in the small towns that line the AT sharing news of his movements.
—
Grayson Haver Currin, Outside, 30 Oct. 2025
Cream of wheat is often fortified with iron and B vitamins, while oatmeal provides fiber and several essential minerals and vitamins.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
Halloween allows restaurants to play dress-up with the menus, offering people a chance to fortify themselves before trick or treating and partying.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
Today, scientists are still studying its properties, and the high priests of the antisugar brigade are still condemning it, while its romantic and even erotic reputation remains well fortified by Valentine’s Day.
—Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fortify
Grayson Haver Currin, Outside, 30 Oct. 2025
Cream of wheat is often fortified with iron and B vitamins, while oatmeal provides fiber and several essential minerals and vitamins.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
Halloween allows restaurants to play dress-up with the menus, offering people a chance to fortify themselves before trick or treating and partying.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
Today, scientists are still studying its properties, and the high priests of the antisugar brigade are still condemning it, while its romantic and even erotic reputation remains well fortified by Valentine’s Day.
—Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fortify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortify
Verb
-
From the start, her campaign braced for a tough final push; no less than Barack Obama is heading to the state in the final days to pitch in.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
3 Nov. 2025
-
In a culture where Hollywood creators worry about an AI takeover while a video-watching citizenry braces itself for a wave of synthetic media from Sora 2 and others, an AI commercial at this level is no small thing.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps witnessing that transformation strengthens its usefulness to others.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Both coalitions align African foundations and businesses to coordinate investments, champion learning as an economic priority, and strengthen delivery through their influence and capabilities.—
Obiageli Ezekwesili,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Earlier this year, Allweiss says one of her clients was readying to make a big announcement pegged to sustainability, but the political climate briefly paused plans.—
Bella Webb,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Do something relaxing to ready your mind and body for sleep, like reading a book or meditating.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fortify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortify. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share