1
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
Kelly fortified herself for the basketball tournament with a series of confidence-boosting exercises
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to strengthen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
he downed another granola bar to fortify himself for the rest of the bike ride
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3
as in to harden
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
bought lots of warm clothing to fortify ourselves against the cold
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fortify
Headquartered in Dallas, the agency is one of multiple electric companies planning to build the highest voltage lines in the state in an effort to help fortify the electric grid, and electrify the oil-rich Permian Basin.
—
Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Diluted striking force The 2023 counteroffensive drew widespread criticism from military experts for being too ambitious and coming too late, giving Russian forces time to fortify positions.
—Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The five-day trade fair draws Black businesspersons from dozens of states fortifying Jackson’s assertion that economic development is the way to Black power.
—Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
That reputation was fortified during Hoellering’s reign, which lasted until his death, in 1980, and crystallized by an unforgettable series of posters.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fortify
Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Diluted striking force The 2023 counteroffensive drew widespread criticism from military experts for being too ambitious and coming too late, giving Russian forces time to fortify positions.
—Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The five-day trade fair draws Black businesspersons from dozens of states fortifying Jackson’s assertion that economic development is the way to Black power.
—Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
That reputation was fortified during Hoellering’s reign, which lasted until his death, in 1980, and crystallized by an unforgettable series of posters.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fortify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortify
Verb
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Hinkson said the city is also bracing to feel the impact of the Metroplex’s rocketing growth, particularly as Fort Worth expands westward along the I-20 corridor.—
Emily Brindley,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Feb. 2026
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The city’s most popular beaches, Clifton and Camps Bay, are a short drive away for those prepared to brace the brisk Atlantic waters; yoga teachers can be brought in on demand.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Duffy said the registration system and requirements for trucking companies will be strengthened while Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration inspectors conduct more spot checks of trucks and commercial driver's license schools.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
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His addition also heralded the dawning of an era in which LACMA actively sought to strengthen its connections with the entertainment world.—
Arts Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kenya will buy back outstanding bonds and issue new dollar debt after its credit rating was raised last month, while Côte d’Ivoire is readying a similar strategy, Bloomberg reported.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
19 Feb. 2026
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On the 16th pitch of Yamamoto’s live batting practice, Kim crushed an opposite-field home run, dazzling the hundreds of Dodgers fans gathered to watch the team ready itself for its first slate of exhibition games that begin Saturday.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fortify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortify. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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