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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 new record in superconducting magnet performance not only strengthens China’s role in global fusion research but also opens the door to a new generation of technologies.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
On the surface, the argument for a cap was not strengthened by the 2025 regular season.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
McGowan noted an anticipated rise in cyberattacks next year would put even more pressure on cybersecurity teams, emphasizing the importance of regularly reviewing support systems and training to strengthen skills and resilience.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Key Takeaways Cardio exercises build endurance, strengthen the heart, and boost your aerobic capacity.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
On the surface, the argument for a cap was not strengthened by the 2025 regular season.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
McGowan noted an anticipated rise in cyberattacks next year would put even more pressure on cybersecurity teams, emphasizing the importance of regularly reviewing support systems and training to strengthen skills and resilience.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Key Takeaways Cardio exercises build endurance, strengthen the heart, and boost your aerobic capacity.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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The material also had to harden with strength similar to natural bone and gradually break down so new bone could replace it.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
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Here, the situation has changed, leaving many of the gods either hardened or embittered by the conflict.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Once that decision is made, Posey and the rest of the Giants’ brass will shift its attention to fortifying their roster, generally, and their pitching depth, specifically.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
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The two have bonded over their desire to get better and their tireless work ethics, and that relationship has only been fortified as the years have progressed.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Kaiping Peng, principal investigator of the report and a professor in the department of psychological and cognitive sciences at Tsinghua University, said understanding and enhancing the well-being of the Chinese people is one of the most vital subjects today.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
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This configuration allows for the polarization-maintaining operation of its optical components and reduces the total number of parts, which in turn minimizes signal loss and enhances operational stability.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Both clubs would be well advised to brace themselves for the long haul.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Coffee Talk, a trade publication about the coffee industry, reported in August that New York City cafés were bracing for price increases.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a similar way, a man who is defiant stiffens his neck, squares his shoulders, lowers his brows, and clenches his fists with his knuckles forward.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Sep. 2025
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The heart muscle may have thickened slightly, and arteries have likely stiffened, which can raise blood pressure.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Cycling the heat on and off allows the robots to adjust speed and even change direction — proof that controlled, repeatable motion is possible at this tiny scale.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
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When introduced carefully, often times first through scent, and given time to adjust, cats and dogs can form deep bonds.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Sep. 2025
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There were also in-store styling events and the participating retailers donated 10 percent of their sales to bolster the fund.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
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The national nonprofit helps private, historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, bolster their academics and keep their tuitions affordable.—
Rachel Wegner,
Nashville Tennessean,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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