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
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Recent Examples of stiffened
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
Drew stiffened as Theo Wiggins headed his way.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Then Philly’s defensive line stiffened, forcing Baker Mayfield into a costly interception near the goal line.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The heart muscle may have thickened slightly, and arteries have likely stiffened, which can raise blood pressure.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Despite herself, Cali stiffened.
—Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.
—Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
But Vance Joseph's unit adjusted and stiffened quickly, shouldering the entire weight of a football game.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
Drew stiffened as Theo Wiggins headed his way.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Then Philly’s defensive line stiffened, forcing Baker Mayfield into a costly interception near the goal line.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The heart muscle may have thickened slightly, and arteries have likely stiffened, which can raise blood pressure.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Despite herself, Cali stiffened.
—Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.
—Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffened
Adjective
-
Pinto got the extension, but was left off the Olympic roster amidst stiff competition for centre roles.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The president’s bows were aloof and stiff.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The dialogue between past and present will be strengthened further with the opening of the Jewish Academy in the Westend district.—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
-
When Mars and Venus are both in cazimi — activated by the sun in Capricorn — relationships may undergo a reset where intentions are clarified and commitments are either strengthened or redefined.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The next morning, Burgher parents—oblivious to the fighting that had broken out in the capital—had lined the walkways and cheered as their children filed into schools with pencils and notebooks and tense faces, some bravely managing a smile, others rigid with fear.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The current electronic components (made of metals like titanium or rigid silicon) could lead to major challenges when implanted inside the human body.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
For example, a government notice earlier this year referenced a construction project in Shaanxi province belonging to the CASC 4th Academy, which is widely known as the main contractor for solid-fuel rockets.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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The Dolphins chose not to spend the money (or match or surpass other teams’ offers) on several solid contributors after their rookie contracts ended.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiffened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffened. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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