stiffening

present participle of stiffen
as in strengthening
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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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 stiffening Afterwards, a squaring solution—a powdery mixture of water and a gel-like batter used in the decorative cake business—is applied to the inside of the hat’s crown to act as a stiffening agent. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 China has been a consistent source of stress for Apple, given the stiffening smartphone competition and its huge manufacturing presence in the country. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025 But most recently it has been hit from several sides, most notably stiffening competition primarily from Amazon, off-pricers and membership clubs as well as Walmart and Target. David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffening
strengthening
Verb
  • The company’s 100 or so coaches primarily offer services within the romantic relationship context, from relationship strengthening to help for those looking to find a partner.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
  • If a player had a weak hamstring, a strengthening programme would be put in place; the same can and should apply to the pelvic floor.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stiffening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffening. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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