STIFFEN Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

stiffen

verb

ˈsti-fən

as in to strengthen

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe plans to further stiffen the already onerous requirements for admission to the elite military unit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 stiffen The woman—Rose, apparently—stiffens slightly. —

Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 The nail seemed to have expanded and warped and stiffened. —

Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026 Moving the kink to one end makes that side soft and the opposite end stiff; placing it at the center softens the middle and stiffens both edges. —

Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026 The long lull in excitement threatened to sap our energy, and being stuck in a car for four hours after a morning of physical exertion can stiffen the body. —

Gregory Thomas, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stiffen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffen

strengthen

Verb

Parker said her budget is focused on strengthening public safety, expanding housing, improving street cleanliness and greenery, and expanding economic opportunity.

— Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Already a Secuoya Studios advisory board member, Gazzolo will provide analysis and decision support for development and content projects, while also bringing in talent and strengthening commercial connections in the region.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026