stiffen

verb

stiff·​en ˈsti-fən How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
stiffened; stiffening ˈsti-fə-niŋ How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
ˈstif-niŋ
Synonyms of stiffennext

intransitive verb

: to become stiff or stiffer
stiffener
ˈsti-fə-nər How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
ˈstif-nər
noun

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
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.
The luxury retailer, weighed down by debt, is under pressure as consumers shift their shopping habits and competition stiffens. Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, a senior cabinet member said. Michal Kubala, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 Extra material had been sewn into the crotch to stiffen and add surface area that would help during takeoff. Brian Melley, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 These include stiffening of blood vessels, changes in heart muscle function and impaired ability of the cardiovascular system to respond to exertion. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stiffen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of stiffen was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiffen. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

stiffen

verb
stiff·​en ˈstif-ən How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
stiffened; stiffening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
: to make or become stiff or stiffer
stiffener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stiffen

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