as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
stiffened corpses an old-fashioned dress with a stiffened lace collar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stiffened
Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Feb. 2026
As the Timberwolves’ defense stiffened, their shots finally started falling.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 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
Michael Carroll’s son stiffened — a cold jolt running through him — when his shovel struck what looked like rags and bones in the basement on Halloween eve 2018.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
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
New Mexico moved methodically downfield with the opening possession, using half the first quarter before the SDSU defense stiffened and limited the Lobos to a 37-yard field goal.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025
Drew stiffened as Theo Wiggins headed his way.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Democrats in Congress stiffened their opposition to an appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, leading to a partial government shutdown.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Feb. 2026
As the Timberwolves’ defense stiffened, their shots finally started falling.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 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
Michael Carroll’s son stiffened — a cold jolt running through him — when his shovel struck what looked like rags and bones in the basement on Halloween eve 2018.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
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
New Mexico moved methodically downfield with the opening possession, using half the first quarter before the SDSU defense stiffened and limited the Lobos to a 37-yard field goal.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025
Drew stiffened as Theo Wiggins headed his way.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffened
Adjective
-
The outermost layer of African elephant skin, the epidermis, was known to be stiff, dry, and thick because elephants don’t shed dead skin cells.—
Clare Watson,
Quanta Magazine,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Expect even larger bridal shower guest lists, and stiff competition during the bouquet toss.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Freedom Square offers a counter-narrative — a declaration that within the 1300 blocks of Division Street and Druid Hill Avenue emerged leadership that reshaped constitutional law, influenced national journalism and strengthened the democratic experiment itself.—
Alvin C. Hathaway Sr,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Despite the distance and their differences, the bond between Annie and Vernice holds tight, strengthened by letters exchanged over the years, until they are fatefully reunited in young adulthood.—
Suzanne Van Atten,
AJC.com,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But some critics argue that restricting access is too rigid and, in the case of Glacier National Park, may invite more people on the road during dangerous twilight hours.—
Outside,
Outside,
24 Feb. 2026
-
While rigid denim remains a strong category, brands are growing their assortment of stretch velvet and corduroy.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Modular design enables multiple launch platforms HAVOC features a modular architecture that allows integration with various solid rocket motor boosters.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Feb. 2026
-
With the next round of debuts and sophomore shows, their houses need solid creative foundations to further recover from the luxury slowdown.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stiffened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffened. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
