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
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
In addition to adjustable dampers, the Lyriq-V boasts a lowered suspension with components stiffened 10% to 600% from the base Lyriq, which was already a sporty and responsive SUV.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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
In addition to adjustable dampers, the Lyriq-V boasts a lowered suspension with components stiffened 10% to 600% from the base Lyriq, which was already a sporty and responsive SUV.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffened
Adjective
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Today’s flats are a far cry from the stiff styles of my childhood.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Oct. 2025
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The branches are a bit stiffer and the branches kind of stick straight out, the tree might not be as natural looking as some others on the market.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Engaging in such activities strengthened connections between different areas of their brain.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Oct. 2025
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Japan and South Korea, United States security allies in Northeast Asia, have recently strengthened their mine warfare capabilities amid China's growing naval presence.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While skinny jeans hug the body tightly from waist to leg, straight-leg jeans tend to be more rigid and fit slightly looser, especially through the lower part of the leg.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
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How underparenting is similar to other parenting styles As with slow parenting, underparenting doesn’t stick to a rigid routine—there is space to change plans and make space in their schedule for downtime.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There were other signs of encouragement, like Diouf and Crysencio Summerville’s left-wing partnership, plus Freddie Potts’ solid cameo appearance.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Crafted from solid wood with a contoured seat and gently curved back, this chair combines comfort with a modern yet classic look, ideal for gatherings and everyday meals alike.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiffened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffened. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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