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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fortify
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
required weeks of physical therapy to strengthen his arm enough to pitch for the team again
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3
as in to enhance
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
encouraged the boarding school students to strengthen their ties with the community by doing public service
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4
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
strengthened herself for the moment she'd have to tell her friend that she had lost the borrowed necklace
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Example Sentences
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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But with the move into Texas, the conference took a small but significant step to fortifying itself for the next round of realignment chaos.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Thoughtful packaging enhances brand perception, encourages repeat purchases and boosts word-of-mouth.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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These gothic elements enhance the book’s central preoccupations of trust, fidelity, and the difficulty of fully knowing another person—or oneself.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Acapulco residents had braced for Erick's arrival with more preparation and trepidation because of the memory of the devastation two years earlier.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2025
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Song’s demystification of what passes for love in a typical rom-com is bracing.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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The singer went backstage to adjust before finishing the rest of the show.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
26 June 2025
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Each credential’s impact is measured using counterfactual analysis, which compares a credential earner to a matched group of similar workers who didn’t earn it—adjusting for factors like job type, education level, and experience.—
Dr. Aviva Legatt,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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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
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Getty Images Cybercriminals have intensified their efforts to steal and sell online passwords, experts warn.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
Verb
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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
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To her, these monochromatic portraits bolster an African aesthetic due to their classic feel that stands the test of time.—
Ugonnaora Owoh,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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