reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs 
variants
or less commonly reenforce
reinforced also reenforced; reinforcing also reenforcing; reinforces also reenforces
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced
reinforce levees
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce ideas
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
reinforce our troops
were reinforcing their pitching staff
3
: to stimulate (a subject, such as an experimental animal) by reinforcement (see reinforcement sense 3)
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
: to seek or get reinforcements
Examples of reinforce in a Sentence
The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops.
Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter.
The levees will need to be reinforced.
The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow.
Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military.
We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.
Recent Examples on the Web
In psychology, rituals are known to reduce anxiety and reinforce identity, especially during change.
—
Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
Due to its body-hugging appeal, the bandage dress was often seen as flattering only on certain body types — typically slim, toned figures, which reinforced narrow beauty standards.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 11 July 2025
Even though owner John Sherman has demonstrated his willingness to spend — including more than $100 million on free agents last offseason — that message needs to be reinforced to players and the fan base.
—Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
Due to its body-hugging appeal, the bandage dress was often seen as flattering only on certain body types — typically slim, toned figures, which reinforced narrow beauty standards.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 11 July 2025
Even though owner John Sherman has demonstrated his willingness to spend — including more than $100 million on free agents last offseason — that message needs to be reinforced to players and the fan base.
—Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
Cite this Entry
“Reinforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinforce. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce the argument with facts
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
were reinforcing their pitching staff
reinforce our troops
3
: to stimulate (a person or animal) with a reinforcer
also
: to increase the frequency of (a response) with a reinforcer
Medical Definition
reinforce
transitive verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs
reinforced; reinforcing
1
: to strengthen by additional material or support : make stronger
reinforced with vitamins
2
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) by reinforcement
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
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