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.
Here, it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and the suspension has been stiffened a little for a sportier feel. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025 The Broncos' defense stiffened in the fourth quarter yet again, but finally bent at the end of regulation in surrendering a game-tying field-goal drive. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025 However, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer is trying to stiffen penalties for those who get arrested by introducing legislation called the Porch Pirates Act. Nick Caloway, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025 New Mexico moved methodically downfield with the opening possession, using half the first quarter before the SDSU defense stiffened and limited the Lobos to a 37-yard field goal. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiffen. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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