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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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
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
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By the next day, Melissa had strengthened into a Category 5 storm.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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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
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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