1
as in to harden
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force lifting weights every day will eventually strengthen your muscles the army makes new recruits run for miles in order to strengthen them

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as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe a bill was introduced to strengthen punishments for hate crimes

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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 strengthen The United States partners with the Government of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities, working together toward the elimination of terrorist organizations and their networks of support. Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 Advertisement But bodies are living things who are entitled to change, strengthen, soften, expand, and spill out as evidence of a life lived—not a life restricted. Mari Andrew, Time, 1 July 2025 The House of Representatives recently held a hearing that explored strengthening American manufacturing, specifically in the medical space. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 On the other hand, businesses, research institutions and government bodies should strengthen their partnerships to foster an environment conducive to innovation. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
  • Tehran's rejection shows that U.S. pressure has hardened its stance, narrowing oversight after damage to its nuclear sites and suspended inspections.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Many had been taught to feel shame in Native culture and language at Indian boarding schools; others had been hardened by prison stints or by the harsh realities of urban poverty.
    Nick Estes, New Yorker, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Following the January departure of Flos B&B Italia’s chief executive officer, luxury veteran Daniel Lalonde, its new management has been focused on fortifying each firm in its portfolio before selling them off.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • Its railing is fortified with plexiglass safety barriers to prevent children from climbing, according to USA Today.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2025
  • But with a smart approach, mirrors can truly enhance a space.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Born into the cult, Prophet draws comparisons between the group’s apocalyptic dogma (braced for a Soviet nuclear strike, the church built extensive Montana bomb shelters in the early 1990s), and Christian Nationalism, QAnon and the MAGA movement.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Chicago is bracing for another violent 4th of July weekend as Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell continues to fight for answers in his brother's 2022 murder in the Windy City.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Many Republicans would like to stiffen the work requirements by requiring work of recipients who are up to age 65 or are the parents of children who are more than six years old.
    Tracy Roof, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Police Department, along with representatives from AT&T and Spectrum, are urging lawmakers to stiffen the penalties for cable theft.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
  • Foiling yachts are typically equipped with software that adjusts the foils hundreds of times a second to maintain safe, level flight.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • While inflation and rising interest rates have intensified financial pressure across the board, the impact has been disproportionately severe for those already operating at a capital disadvantage, which includes many women of color entrepreneurs.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Black women are often conditioned to prioritize others’ needs over their own, and this tendency may intensify during the summertime demands.
    Essence, Essence, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • From there, the Rockets bolstered its wing depth by signing Dorian Finney-Smith to a four-year deal to replace Dillon Brooks’ three-and-d production.
    Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Adding Smith bolsters Pittsburgh's group of pass-catchers, which added All-Pro wideout DK Metcalf but lost 1,100-yard receiver George Pickens, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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