strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

ˈstren(t)-

strengthened; strengthening

ˈstreŋ(k)th-niŋ, 

ˈstren(t)th-;

  ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈstren(t)-

transitive verb

: to make stronger, more forceful, more effective, etc.

These exercises will strengthen your abdominal muscles.

intransitive verb

: to become stronger, more forceful, more effective, etc.

The winds are expected to strengthen.

strengthener

ˈstreŋ(k)th-nər, 

ˈstren(t)th-;

  ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈstren(t)-

noun

Synonyms of strengthen

• harden
• fortify

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

Although United want to add two midfielders, doing both at a price point in the £70m-plus region — echoing their three big signings last summer — might be beyond their finances this time round, given the further squad strengthening required. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

All these strengthen the overarching spirit of community at Kukuiʻula, creating memories that span generations and last forever. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026

Organized by the Malta Film Commission, the festival is set to grow in both scale and ambition this year, with an enlarged program of screenings, industry events and cultural offerings aimed at strengthening Malta’s role as an international filmmaking hub. —Kennedy French, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026

Instead, try to strengthen your awareness of how your style makes colleagues feel and work on improving that dynamic. —Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for strengthen

• lengthen

Kids Definition

strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become stronger

strengthener

-(ə-)nər 

noun