1
as in to harden
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
lifting weights every day will eventually strengthen your muscles the army makes new recruits run for miles in order to strengthen them
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fortify
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
required weeks of physical therapy to strengthen his arm enough to pitch for the team again
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3
as in to enhance
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
encouraged the boarding school students to strengthen their ties with the community by doing public service
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4
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
strengthened herself for the moment she'd have to tell her friend that she had lost the borrowed necklace
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of strengthen
These services, which may include resume building, interview preparation and job search strategies, can help strengthen efforts to rejoin the workforce.
—
Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
In March, two South Carolina state legislators introduced bills to strengthen the state’s Heritage Act, largely aiming to preserve Confederate statues statewide.
—Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025
Having brought in two centre-backs, a holding midfielder and a versatile forward in January, City are looking to strengthen in other areas, with a goalkeeper, full-back and creative midfielders among the targets.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Her administration has launched an 18-point industrial policy to strengthen domestic production in key sectors like auto parts, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
In March, two South Carolina state legislators introduced bills to strengthen the state’s Heritage Act, largely aiming to preserve Confederate statues statewide.
—Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025
Having brought in two centre-backs, a holding midfielder and a versatile forward in January, City are looking to strengthen in other areas, with a goalkeeper, full-back and creative midfielders among the targets.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Her administration has launched an 18-point industrial policy to strengthen domestic production in key sectors like auto parts, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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These were also the years when Twain’s contradictions began to harden into gleaming marble.—
Lauren Michele Jackson,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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Dirt and sweat can dry and harden your gloves and soil the inside, defeating their purpose of protecting your hands.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Reinvent continuously: Change is the one constant, and knowing that disruption remains at an all-time high, leaders must be able to navigate these changes and fortify their enterprise resilience on an ongoing basis—for both the short- and long-term.—
Muqsit Ashraf,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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Georgia’s roster is now fortified for another national championship run, with things seeming to depend on two spots: starting quarterback Gunner Stockton and a young offensive line.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The recently operational Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) further enhances accessibility to South Mumbai.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 May 2025
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By replacing human workers with AI tools, Intuit aims to enhance efficiency and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving fintech sector.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Verb
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Liverpool are braced for plenty of interest in 19-year-old winger Ben Doak, whose successful loan spell at Middlesbrough was curtailed by injury.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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How Apple and others in Silicon Valley are bracing for Trump tariffs April 5, 2025 How big of a deal is this for Apple?—
Wendy Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The city of Fort Worth has stiffened penalties for unauthorized tree clearing in an effort to hold developers accountable and protect the city’s natural landscapes.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Apr. 2025
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For a more visceral feel, 'Sport' increases the throttle response, stiffens the suspension, and opens the exhaust valves.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2025
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Should Congress amend the Act, or the IOC/FIE change their standards, USA Fencing will adjust accordingly.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Verb
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At the same time, customer acquisition costs are climbing, lifetime value is shrinking and the competitive landscape is intensifying.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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Since then, Israel has announced a plan to intensify its war on Gaza.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
9 May 2025
Verb
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And more than 260 Su-30 ground attack jets bolster India’s force.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
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However, bolstering domestic film and television production is in line with Trump’s agenda to bring jobs back from overseas, more generally.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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