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
Here, it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and the suspension has been stiffened a little for a sportier feel.
—
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025
The Broncos' defense stiffened in the fourth quarter yet again, but finally bent at the end of regulation in surrendering a game-tying field-goal drive.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
However, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer is trying to stiffen penalties for those who get arrested by introducing legislation called the Porch Pirates Act.
—Nick Caloway, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
Conventional batteries stiffen the robot, drain fast, or degrade under strain, limiting autonomy.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025
The Broncos' defense stiffened in the fourth quarter yet again, but finally bent at the end of regulation in surrendering a game-tying field-goal drive.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
However, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer is trying to stiffen penalties for those who get arrested by introducing legislation called the Porch Pirates Act.
—Nick Caloway, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
Conventional batteries stiffen the robot, drain fast, or degrade under strain, limiting autonomy.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffen
strengthen
Verb
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Its formula of ceramides, astaxanthin, and arginine strengthen, provide elasticity, and heal weak or broken hair.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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The meeting comes as Tokyo seeks to rein in a deepening diplomatic and trade rift with China while strengthening ties with allies to counter Beijing’s attempts to isolate Japan.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffen. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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