1
as in to harden
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
lifting weights every day will eventually strengthen your muscles the army makes new recruits run for miles in order to strengthen them
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2
as in to fortify
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure
required weeks of physical therapy to strengthen his arm enough to pitch for the team again
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3
as in to enhance
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
encouraged the boarding school students to strengthen their ties with the community by doing public service
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4
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
strengthened herself for the moment she'd have to tell her friend that she had lost the borrowed necklace
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of strengthen
The Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement is a capsule that is designed to combat internal drivers of aging, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalance, ultimately strengthening the skin's foundation from within.
—
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026
This alignment strengthens professional decision-making while enhancing personal fulfillment and emotional balance.
—Karen Hinds, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
Zinc plays an important role in supporting the immune system, helping develop immune cells and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
My nonprofit, Press Pass NYC, helps city public schools start or strengthen student news publications.
—Beth Fertig, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026
This alignment strengthens professional decision-making while enhancing personal fulfillment and emotional balance.
—Karen Hinds, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
Zinc plays an important role in supporting the immune system, helping develop immune cells and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
My nonprofit, Press Pass NYC, helps city public schools start or strengthen student news publications.
—Beth Fertig, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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Parashat Va’era tells us that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, but the Torah does not describe him as raging all the time.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
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Areas where light is let through cause the polymer at those locations to harden, while areas kept in the dark stay fluid.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Overall, though, New Jersey didn’t land enough difference-makers to fortify the club’s supporting cast.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Foods like yogurt and kefir offer gut-friendly probiotics, and milk is often fortified with vitamin D.—
Anthea Levi,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The fabric’s four-way stretch is slightly cinched at the waist to enhance your curves, while the A-line silhouette is still relaxed enough for cozy winter outfits.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
16 Jan. 2026
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The best ski attire has the power to influence and enhance your performance.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Texas Education Agency will meet with the Lake Worth community Wednesday as the school district braces for a state takeover.—
Lacey Beasley,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
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Dean, as Ruby’s ambitious friend and mentor who is also braced for loss, is particularly outstanding, while Todd Field nicely depicts the solace and agonies one faces when establishing tight boundaries in life.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
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Cream of tartar or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to help the meringue stiffen.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Dec. 2025
Verb
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In addition to being moisture-wicking, the shearling lining helps to naturally adjust to your body’s temperature, keeping feet cool and dry.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Behind the headline lies a rapidly intensifying battle over how the world's 300 million stablecoin users will actually spend their digital dollars.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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The Council vote comes as debate over ex parte communications has intensified inside the Charter Reform Commission itself.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As California schools face worsening economic conditions, many districts are bolstering their reserves to stave off deficits.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Weymouth is experienced and has the potential for a run, bolstered by senior captains Ryan Ferguson (forward), Mike Curry (forward), Colin Browning (defense) and Billy Lennon (goalie).—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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