strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

ˈstren(t)-

strengthened; strengthening

ˈstreŋ(k)th-niŋ, 

ˈstren(t)th-;

  ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈstren(t)-

transitive verb

: to make stronger, more forceful, more effective, etc.

These exercises will strengthen your abdominal muscles.

intransitive verb

: to become stronger, more forceful, more effective, etc.

The winds are expected to strengthen.

strengthener

ˈstreŋ(k)th-nər, 

ˈstren(t)th-;

  ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈstren(t)-

noun

Synonyms of strengthen

• harden
• fortify

Examples of strengthen in a Sentence

These exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles.

He takes herbs to strengthen his immune system.

The development of new electronic products has strengthened the company's position as the leader in digital technology.

Holidays often serve to strengthen bonds between family members.

Their financial situation strengthened her determination to find a new career.

The team has been strengthened by the addition of several new players.

The winds are expected to strengthen.

The economy is slowly strengthening.

The Canadian dollar is strengthening against the U.S. dollar.

The trade restrictions will strengthen the pound.

Recent Examples on the Web

González’s victory gives Calvo another council member aligned with his administration, strengthening his position less than a year after taking office as mayor. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026

Since taking office, the Governor has funded law enforcement at record levels and strengthened bail and discovery laws to hold all violent offenders accountable. — Kelsie Cairns , Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

All favor deepening alliances and partnerships, modernizing the military, fixing the defense industrial base, strengthening deterrence, tackling transnational challenges such as global public health, and pursuing hardheaded diplomacy with rivals. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly Bent-over rear delt flys strengthen the back of your shoulders, helping support good posture and counteract the effects of prolonged sitting or screen time. — Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for strengthen

• lengthen

Kids Definition

strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become stronger

strengthener

-(ə-)nər 

noun