stiffen

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

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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 Afterwards, a squaring solution—a powdery mixture of water and a gel-like batter used in the decorative cake business—is applied to the inside of the hat’s crown to act as a stiffening agent. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 But the schedule stiffens up next week with the start of 4A South Metro League play as Heritage, Ponderosa and Dakota Ridge all loom in October. Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025 In a similar way, a man who is defiant stiffens his neck, squares his shoulders, lowers his brows, and clenches his fists with his knuckles forward. Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 China has been a consistent source of stress for Apple, given the stiffening smartphone competition and its huge manufacturing presence in the country. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffen
strengthen
Verb
  • By the next day, Melissa had strengthened into a Category 5 storm.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Reebok added that the new regional HQ is designed to accelerate retail expansion, strengthen performance and women’s categories, and deepen the brand’s cultural footprint while supporting its longstanding network of regional partners, retailers, and consumers.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffen. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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