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
On the garden level, a family room extends out to the deep, south-facing backyard, reinforcing the home’s strong connection to its outdoor spaces.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 June 2026
As Wisnia sees it, stacking the deck with Bay Staters is a means toward reinforcing the bond between the fan and the franchise.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026
On four separate occasions, Hinchcliffe turns to an audience member of a particular demographic to reinforce a stereotype about them and the audience member’s response introduces nuance that undermines his premise.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 June 2026
French doors create a visual connection between the living room and primary bedroom, reinforcing the apartment’s sense of openness despite its compact footprint.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
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Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 June 2026
As Wisnia sees it, stacking the deck with Bay Staters is a means toward reinforcing the bond between the fan and the franchise.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026
On four separate occasions, Hinchcliffe turns to an audience member of a particular demographic to reinforce a stereotype about them and the audience member’s response introduces nuance that undermines his premise.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 June 2026
French doors create a visual connection between the living room and primary bedroom, reinforcing the apartment’s sense of openness despite its compact footprint.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
Cite this Entry
“Reinforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinforce. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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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