as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
stiffened corpses an old-fashioned dress with a stiffened lace collar
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
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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These two were working very stiff, including a gnarly pair of double-knees by Stephanie Vaquer to Kairi Sane.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The bristles are neither too floppy nor too stiff, neither too long nor too short, and are cut to the perfect rounded shape that’s just right for swirling pigment over the apples or spreading it along your cheekbones—without having to work too hard for a completely natural finish.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The past month has renewed conversations about home rule, which many Democrats believe should be strengthened.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
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These examples show that more protections need to be established and strengthened, advocates say.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The paper identifies further causes of the continent’s growth problem as the EU’s relatively high energy prices, rigid employment regulations, and a general lack of corporate dynamism and entrepreneurship.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Instead, a single rigid substrate integrates everything in one strong, precise piece.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And when the second half started, Gay couldn’t turn a solid Commanders drive into three more points, banging the ball off the right goal post.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The company's portfolio includes solid rocket motors (SRMs) ranging from 2 inches to 22 inches in diameter for missiles like the Stinger, Javelin, and air-defense interceptors.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiffened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffened. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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