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
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5
as in to stiffen
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe a bill was introduced to strengthen punishments for hate crimes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strengthen Proposal would strengthen language in state constitution A third proposal authored by Green and Jacque would strengthen language in Article I of the state constitution, which establishes a right to keep and bear arms. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025 This study strengthens the argument for public health efforts to reduce alcohol use across the population, according to the researchers. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025 Being allowed creativity in the workplace and curating your personal visual environment strengthen confidence in your own visual environment, which in turn can increase your focus, and, by extension, your productivity. Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025 Lázaro believes the product re-launch will also help strengthen the Sharpie brand. Nino Paoli, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
  • The hardening public mood in both capitals reinforces hawkish instincts.
    Lizzi C. Lee, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
  • These are produced by precisely laying fiber strips in a mold, which is hardened using resins or other plastics to form a component.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if hair growth is a concern, droves of shoppers recommend this Pura D’or shampoo and conditioner duo that’s fortified with biotin to encourage fuller, healthier-looking hair.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • But though the iconic museum was initially constructed as a building meant to safeguard and fortify the area, thieves have managed to get through its defenses on a number of occasions and carry off priceless works of art.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Winning so frequently while ranking second on the Betrayal Index enhances Mayfield's MVP credentials.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer is one of the best hair dryers for curly hair due to its diffuser, comb, and concentrator attachments that enhance types 2A to 4C hair, as well as its accommodating selection of heat and airflow settings.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Guatemala City — In the bracing morning air, workers leave their homes in the outer suburbs and hurry toward the industrial buildings lining the Guatemalan capital’s highways.
    Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But next year, the Galls, who live in Meridian, Idaho, are bracing for their costs to grow significantly.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For every mention of the Chicago Bulls’ trek toward toughness, of their hopes to stiffen the chests in the building and ignite a defensive revamp, Okoro has been the footnote.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Jays starter Shane Bieber, who was tagged with a two-run Julio Rodríguez homer in the first, adjusted, going six strong innings with a steady mix of off-speed stuff.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The brain eventually adjusts, but the body continues to degrade.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The dispute underscores an intensifying divide within the Democratic Party between establishment forces aligned with major donors and progressives who say those same networks are shutting out grassroots women candidates.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The tech titan has intensified its efforts to bolster affordable housing in recent years.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker are getting ready for the holiday season by bolstering its staff by approximately 14,000 seasonal employees this year.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The tech titan has intensified its efforts to bolster affordable housing in recent years.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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