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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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
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
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Takaichi, a hard-line conservative who’s cited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her hero, has called for strengthening Japan’s military, and taking a tougher stance against China and North Korea.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Beyond transactions, New World Realty remains active in charitable initiatives and local events, strengthening the ties that have defined its legacy for more than three decades.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiffening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffening. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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