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
Posture And Mobility: Undoing The Sedentary Spiral Extended sitting does more than stiffen your spine.
—
Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The Padres’ 10-0 start at home is another franchise best, but at least on paper, the schedule will stiffen Monday when the Chicago Cubs — so far the only team to take a series against San Diego — visit Petco Park.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The city of Fort Worth has stiffened penalties for unauthorized tree clearing in an effort to hold developers accountable and protect the city’s natural landscapes.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2025
For a more visceral feel, 'Sport' increases the throttle response, stiffens the suspension, and opens the exhaust valves.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The Padres’ 10-0 start at home is another franchise best, but at least on paper, the schedule will stiffen Monday when the Chicago Cubs — so far the only team to take a series against San Diego — visit Petco Park.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The city of Fort Worth has stiffened penalties for unauthorized tree clearing in an effort to hold developers accountable and protect the city’s natural landscapes.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2025
For a more visceral feel, 'Sport' increases the throttle response, stiffens the suspension, and opens the exhaust valves.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stiffen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffen
strengthen
Verb
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The first print edition of Robb Report en Español will debut in Spain later this year, further strengthening the brand’s presence in Europe.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 June 2025
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Below, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share the best ways brands can rebuild credibility and strengthen their image after public criticism.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffen. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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