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
So, stiffen the luxury tax penalties for the Dodgers and the other big spenders.
—
Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.
—Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Outrage from the left about that maneuver stiffened Democratic spirits for a confrontation in the fall.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2025
Cream of tartar or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to help the meringue stiffen.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.
—Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Outrage from the left about that maneuver stiffened Democratic spirits for a confrontation in the fall.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2025
Cream of tartar or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to help the meringue stiffen.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffen
strengthen
Verb
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PSyn supports that work by helping health plans and employer groups strengthen benefit strategy through education, practical analysis, and operational guidance grounded in real-world pharmacy experience.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Every morning, seahorses greet their other half by performing a rhythmic dance that can last minutes or even hours to strengthen their bond.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffen. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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