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
The prime minister’s demeanor stiffened.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Lower levels of the hormone can stiffen blood vessels and accelerate blockages.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 18 Mar. 2026
What began as breathlessness hardened into silicosis, an irreversible disease that stiffens the lungs until even ordinary movement becomes effort.
—Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
After the deputies put him back into the chair, Mitchell’s body stiffened, with his legs straight in front of him and his head lolling back.
—USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
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.
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Lower levels of the hormone can stiffen blood vessels and accelerate blockages.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 18 Mar. 2026
What began as breathlessness hardened into silicosis, an irreversible disease that stiffens the lungs until even ordinary movement becomes effort.
—Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
After the deputies put him back into the chair, Mitchell’s body stiffened, with his legs straight in front of him and his head lolling back.
—USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Cite this Entry
“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiffen. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
