Synonyms of stiffening

stiffening

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strengthening
• hardening
• toughening
• harshening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easing
• softening
• lessening
• ameliorating
• moderating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stiffening

Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and the like will help keep your robe soft and absorbent as these formulas could break down the fabric, leave behind fabric-stiffening residue, or cause pilling and other concerns. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Not to mention their unusually flexible blood vessels could also help compensate for stiffening heart tissue. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Even simple movements can encourage healthy blood flow and keep fascia from stiffening up. — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 27 July 2026

Volkswagen’s premium Audi brand has lost much of its luster in recent years, dragged down by trade tariffs, stiffening competition and a patchy electric-vehicle roster. — William Wilkes, Bloomberg, 8 June 2026

Chronic inflammation damages blood vessels, stiffening them and increasing resistance. — Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026

The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026