as in to harden
to make stronger (as through hardship)
She was annealed by the tragedies of her childhood.
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Recent Examples of anneal
Engineers sparingly tried annealing hardware space, so Juno's experience could be instructive for future missions.
—
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Some annealing quantum-type computers are already commercialized.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
They’re served in a heap in a bowl, the logs of potato annealed, shiny and splotched with balsamic vinegar.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Workable quantum solutions that make use of annealing systems are now in use.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
In this instance, after annealing, nanoplastic molecules are physically bound together with the molecules of tetracycline.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2024
Quantum annealing: This term is borrowed from annealing, a process that uses heat to alter the physical or chemical properties of a metal, glass, or plastic film to increase ductility and reduce hardness.
—Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
After annealing, the links are strong covalent bonds [below].
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2024
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Some annealing quantum-type computers are already commercialized.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
They’re served in a heap in a bowl, the logs of potato annealed, shiny and splotched with balsamic vinegar.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Workable quantum solutions that make use of annealing systems are now in use.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
In this instance, after annealing, nanoplastic molecules are physically bound together with the molecules of tetracycline.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2024
Quantum annealing: This term is borrowed from annealing, a process that uses heat to alter the physical or chemical properties of a metal, glass, or plastic film to increase ductility and reduce hardness.
—Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
After annealing, the links are strong covalent bonds [below].
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anneal
Verb
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The hardening public mood in both capitals reinforces hawkish instincts.—
Lizzi C. Lee,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
-
These are produced by precisely laying fiber strips in a mold, which is hardened using resins or other plastics to form a component.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The United States and Australia on Monday unveiled a landmark agreement to boost critical minerals and rare earths projects, aiming to reduce reliance on China and strengthen defense and tech supply chains.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Oct. 2025
-
With trust and engagement at an all-time low, companies need to help leaders strengthen human skills such as self-awareness, clear communication, and compassion.—
Rasmus Hougaard,
Harvard Business Review,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And if hair growth is a concern, droves of shoppers recommend this Pura D’or shampoo and conditioner duo that’s fortified with biotin to encourage fuller, healthier-looking hair.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
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But though the iconic museum was initially constructed as a building meant to safeguard and fortify the area, thieves have managed to get through its defenses on a number of occasions and carry off priceless works of art.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Then in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals, BYU went to the zone to try to temper a sizzling Iowa State squad.—
Jim Root,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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That goodwill, which carried considerable weight in Saudi society, didn’t temper the public reaction to the son’s comments: Saudis are calling for a boycott of Rajhi’s Half Million cafe chain — Saudi’s most popular — and his other businesses.—
Manal Albarakati,
semafor.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Steven Adler published an analysis showing that ChatGPT repeatedly and falsely reinforced one man’s delusions and psychological distress.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The universal love is the applause, either heard in person or received from afar, a love reinforced by the sense of an instant, intimate family—a life backstage or in the trailer, far more interesting than the often unhappy family left behind.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anneal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anneal. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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