Synonyms of stiffened

stiffened 1 of 2

adjective

as in stiff

incapable of or highly resistant to bending

stiffened corpses

an old-fashioned dress with a stiffened lace collar

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stiff
• rigid
• solid
• brittle
• strong
• unyielding
• inflexible
• dense
• crisp
• sound
• hard
• compact
• inelastic
• substantial
• firm
• rheumatic
• arthritic
• nonelastic
• nonmalleable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexible
• pliable
• elastic
• pliant
• floppy
• resilient
• supple
• yielding
• workable
• plastic
• springy
• malleable
• stretchy
• soft
• flaccid
• semiflexible
• flabby
• limp
• droopy
• squishy
• mushy
• squashy
• willowy
• limber
• lithe
• lank
• lithesome
• lissome
• semisoft

stiffened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of stiffen

as in strengthened

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe

plans to further stiffen the already onerous requirements for admission to the elite military unit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strengthened
• hardened
• toughened
• harshened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• eased
• softened
• lessened
• ameliorated
• moderated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stiffened

Verb

However, for someone with a preexisting condition such as pulmonary fibrosis – where the tissue of the lungs has stiffened and can no longer stretch to full capacity – a viral infection may make their condition worse. — Karin Wuertz-Kozak, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

Texas stiffened and took the 21-point lead to the locker room. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

The Chiefs’ defense stiffened and Indy faced a fourth-and-8 from the 15-yard line. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

But after a quick touchdown drive to take a 34-27 lead, the Oregon defense stiffened, and closed out the win with back-to-back stops. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Bile rose in Evie’s throat and her body stiffened under his touch. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

The possible move, unthinkable for legacy studios but in keeping with exits by businesses in other sectors, has only stiffened opposition to the merger in some corners. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Dogs that have stiffened up with age get an advanced joint-support chew with glucosamine, MSM, and collagen. — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Graham's aorta, at 71, tore, a dissection along a wall stiffened by decades of what the medical examiner called arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. — Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026