Examples of stiffen in a Sentence
She stiffened when he grabbed her shoulder.
The dogs stiffened in alarm.
The law would stiffen penalties for tax evasion.
Recent Examples on the Web
For every mention of the Chicago Bulls’ trek toward toughness, of their hopes to stiffen the chests in the building and ignite a defensive revamp, Okoro has been the footnote.
—
Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Afterwards, a squaring solution—a powdery mixture of water and a gel-like batter used in the decorative cake business—is applied to the inside of the hat’s crown to act as a stiffening agent.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
But the schedule stiffens up next week with the start of 4A South Metro League play as Heritage, Ponderosa and Dakota Ridge all loom in October.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
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.
Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Afterwards, a squaring solution—a powdery mixture of water and a gel-like batter used in the decorative cake business—is applied to the inside of the hat’s crown to act as a stiffening agent.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
But the schedule stiffens up next week with the start of 4A South Metro League play as Heritage, Ponderosa and Dakota Ridge all loom in October.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Cite this Entry
“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiffen. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share