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
Publicly sharing progress builds trust with brand partners and encourages the kind of transparency that strengthens the industry as a whole.
—
Kurt Kipka, Sourcing Journal, 5 Aug. 2025
While Ditka’s father worked, Charlotte raised their four children, strengthening Ditka’s bond with his mother.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Knowing whether the solution keeps your headcount neutral or—better yet—helps net some efficiency only strengthens your argument.
—Dave Merkel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
For example, strengthening your biceps can enhance your ability to perform a pull-up.
—Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Kurt Kipka, Sourcing Journal, 5 Aug. 2025
While Ditka’s father worked, Charlotte raised their four children, strengthening Ditka’s bond with his mother.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Knowing whether the solution keeps your headcount neutral or—better yet—helps net some efficiency only strengthens your argument.
—Dave Merkel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
For example, strengthening your biceps can enhance your ability to perform a pull-up.
—Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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But the mood in Israel hardened dramatically when, on July 31, Hamas released a video of the skeletal 21-year-old Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, weeping and in pain.—
Emily Rose,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
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Coconut oil will harden when cold, leaving you with solid chocolate candy for later.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Earlier in the day, the signing of Lowe, who’d been designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals last week, proved another step in trying to fortify the roster for the postseason.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
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Friday's summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska -- to which Ukrainian representatives were not invited -- ended with Russia demanding that Ukraine cede the entirety of its contested and fortified eastern Donetsk region in exchange for an end to the fighting, two sources told ABC News.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The theory is that each of these tax rates distinctly discourages the production and the seizing of initiative in the economy; therefore, cutting them enhances economic activity to an uncommon degree.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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But combining chia with other blood sugar–lowering foods, like beans or lentils, may enhance the effect.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Inspect mature trees with heavy or unbalanced limbs, which should be pruned or supported by cabling or bracing (a service provided by arborists).—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
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Immediate and widespread evacuations impacted over 2 million people as coastal towns braced for potential waves.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The sounds capture tiny mechanical vibrations, sometimes caused by stiffening arteries or narrowing heart vessels, that can indicate the early onset of disease.—
Carla Mendez,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
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That combination of scarcity and desirability stiffens competition and drives up prices, DeJohn says.—
Talia Wexler,
CNBC,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, the app is working to prioritize content from friends, remove spam, adjust the amount and type of news content users see and more.—
Joe Mutascio,
IndyStar,
13 Aug. 2025
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Meanwhile, proposed federal building codes now include features that support demand-response (DR) programs—allowing homeowners to get paid when utilities slightly delay or adjust their charging sessions.—
Carlos Georgescu,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
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This stuff is a powerful oxidizer that, while not flammable by itself, will accelerate and intensify combustion of rubber balloons, clothing, hair, skin, eye tissue and other things that burn when used around open flames such as bongs, joints, and cigarettes.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This season, the team needed to take steps to bolster its roster.—
James Nalton,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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That information bolsters medical research, treatment services and training opportunities that benefit the lives of people with disabilities.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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