Synonyms of stiffens

stiffens

verb

present tense third-person singular of stiffen

as in strengthens

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

• strengthens
• hardens
• toughens
• harshens

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• eases
• lessens
• softens
• moderates
• ameliorates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stiffens

Davidsen bucks up her balky husband with a bloodthirsty holler, stiffens her voice against doubt, and, in her final sleepwalking scene, taps into the tender stratum of Lady Macbeth’s subconscious. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

This remains soft during low-energy movement but stiffens upon high-impact force. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026

For seven-and-a-half years, Ladd had dealt with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that stiffens and scars the lungs. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 June 2026

To execute its ruthless 66-pound weight loss program, the rear seats have been completely deleted, replaced by a massive structural strut brace that significantly stiffens the chassis. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Golden State’s schedule stiffens with an upcoming trip to New York and Indiana. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 14 May 2026

The rings arise because the metal softens as the can compresses, then stiffens, then compresses and stiffens again, repeating the pattern until the compression is complete—akin to something called homoclinic snaking. — ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026

Will these Knicks stick to the process when the competition stiffens in the second round? — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026

The woman—Rose, apparently—stiffens slightly. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026