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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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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Infused with nourishing tsubaki meadow oil, texturizing pink salt, and a plant blend of kale, carrot, and lemon extracts that, together, strengthen and add moisture, this featherlight formula hydrates, de-frizzes, and disappears upon contact—though the results stick around for hours.—
Michelle Rostamian,
Allure,
27 Feb. 2026
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Pozzo joined as deputy CEO in July 2025, alongside a 25-million-euro capital increase to strengthen the balance sheet and support the company’s strategic reset.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Coach Chris Finch was readying his team for a season that ended in the Western Conference finals for the second year in a row.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
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Additional riders will be then invited as the company readies service for all later this year.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fortify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortify. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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