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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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
Verb
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 Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 The moose flinched and stiffened. — Fred Bear, Outdoor Life, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffened
  1. stiff
  2. strengthened
  3. rigid
  4. solid
Adjective
  • When the replacement arrived, the new cotton felt stiff, less breathable, and one side seam veered off at an angle, pulling the fabric awkwardly around my body.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In the hills surrounding Taiz, the government forces are trying to repel the Houthis but face stiff resistance, especially east of the city.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of stiff
Verb
  • Heidi Levine, the Washington Post journalist brutally attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank last week, said the terrifying ordeal has only strengthened her resolve to continue covering the plight of Palestinians.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The past several months have strengthened our belief in what EA can become.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of strengthened
Adjective
  • These chemical conflicts ultimately leave current flexible solar modules far behind their rigid counterparts in both efficiency and stability.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of rigid
Adjective
  • From Traditional Craftsmanship to Modern EDC Design The body of Bronze Blossom is crafted from solid bronze, a material known for its durability, warm appearance, and ability to develop a unique patina over time.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Capital One is finally getting credit for a solid quarter, but the debate surrounding the credit card giant's stock is far from settled.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of solid

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stiffened
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Cite this Entry

“Stiffened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffened. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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