strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)-
strengthened; strengthening
ˈstreŋ(k)th-niŋ,
ˈstren(t)th-;
ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)-

transitive verb

: to make stronger

intransitive verb

: to become stronger
strengthener
ˈstreŋ(k)th-nər
ˈstren(t)th-;
ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)-
noun

Examples of strengthen in a Sentence

These exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles. He takes herbs to strengthen his immune system. The development of new electronic products has strengthened the company's position as the leader in digital technology. Holidays often serve to strengthen bonds between family members. Their financial situation strengthened her determination to find a new career. The team has been strengthened by the addition of several new players. The winds are expected to strengthen. The economy is slowly strengthening. The Canadian dollar is strengthening against the U.S. dollar. The trade restrictions will strengthen the pound.
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.
All-Four Kick Backs This exercise strengthens the gluteal muscles, or glutes (butt muscles), and the hamstrings (back thigh muscles). Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025 Lai has pledged to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, strengthening the island’s defenses in the face of a rising threat from its giant neighbor China. Reuters, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025 Path of destruction In the Caribbean, hotter-than-average waters paired with minimally disruptive winds higher in the atmosphere to create the perfect fuel and prime conditions for Melissa to strengthen. Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 In addition, air that's warmer holds more moisture and warmer oceans reduce wind shear, allowing storms to strengthen more quickly and become more powerful. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strengthen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strengthen. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

strengthen

verb
strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
: to make or become stronger
strengthener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on strengthen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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