strengthening 1 of 3

Definition of strengtheningnext

strengthening

2 of 3

noun

strengthening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of strengthen
1
as in hardening
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in stiffening
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe a bill was introduced to strengthen punishments for hate crimes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of strengthening
Noun
The benefits include more calories burned, greater muscle strengthening, and improved endurance. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 What followed was not just the growth of an industry, but the strengthening of tribal self-determination. Cody J Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Indeed, both companies aim to continue the exploration of new synergies that contribute to the growth and strengthening of their editorial and audiovisual strategies. Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026 That increases strong winds high in the atmosphere, called wind shear, that can disrupt storms and stop them from forming or strengthening. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026 That kind of last-minute strengthening has become an increasing concern for local emergency managers along the Texas coast. Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 Of course, the Elixir Ultime Oil, with its shine-enhancing, strengthening, and softening properties, would be one of Moore’s go-tos. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026 Harris voted for original law in 2017 but said Monday that the strengthening legislation took too much from cities looking to keep workers nearby. Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026 Western scalp treatments often rely on stronger, single-minded actives (think minoxidil or high-dose exfoliants) aimed at correcting a problem quickly, while Korean formulas take a more holistic, long-game approach, combining soothing, strengthening, and circulation-stimulating ingredients. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
The program delivers on the government’s Plan for Change, supporting economic growth through defense investment while strengthening national security. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026 That includes strengthening its internal culture, refining legal strategy, and maintaining clear standards around results and professional integrity. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 Organizers say this approach is intended to redirect economic activity away from major companies while strengthening local communities. Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 Other broad objectives include modernizing and strengthening state enterprises and increasing foreign-currency revenue, including through remittances from Cubans in Miami and elsewhere. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026 Last year, state legislators began debating strengthening protections and prohibiting the sale of non-biodegradable helium and lighter-than-air gas balloons. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026 Melatonin supports gut health by reducing inflammation, strengthening the gut barrier, balancing the gut microbiome, and promoting regular bowel movements. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026 Over the past three decades, Bank of America has invested substantially in the university, strengthening programs for student success, faculty excellence, research, innovation and community engagement. Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 Made with 93% natuarally extracted snail secretion, this daily moisturizer provides deep-penetrating hydration and is excellent for strengthening the skin barrier. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthening
Noun
  • As Christians around the world mark Holy Week, the Catholic Church in the United States is reporting a notable increase in attendance and interest in joining the faith.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The condition causes calcium to quickly accumulate in the arteries of the legs, hardening blood vessels and making walking increasingly painful and difficult.
    Alexandra Sifferlin, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse Thursday, with each side hardening its position over talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war.
    David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The serum is formulated with a holy grail powerhouse that consists of a fortifying complex, firming complex, and Matrixyl 3000—all pivotal for minimizing signs of aging.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Analysts noted similar activity occurred before last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer strikes, suggesting a pattern of fortifying critical facilities in anticipation of attacks.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reportedly in no rush to leave his temporary home, deepening frustrations for his brother, King Charles III.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Each movement revealed a little more, deepening the intrigue of what lay beneath the surface.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Gulf is open for business again, and Cordes is bracing himself.
    Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • For example, Glover, Koch and Hansen practiced CPR in space, taking turns bracing against Orion’s bulkhead to gain leverage to simulate chest compressions and rescue breathing while recording the proceedings for future crew trainings.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.
    Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 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, Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade, told us.
    Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cayenne owners will be able to track charging via their My Porsche app and are able to create pre-conditioning settings to meet their individual needs.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Dyson also claims that the Omega nourishing collection delivers up to 94 percent stronger hair, compared to using non-conditioning shampoo on straight hair.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • The pepper companion plants featured here play various roles in the garden community, enhancing pepper yields through pest reduction, weed management, and soil enhancement.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
  • New puzzles and interactivity will be introduced to the attraction along with other additional enhancements.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthening. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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