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
Wirtz, one of the most coveted playmakers in Europe, is recognised as an addition who can strengthen the team further, not an easy task given the standards set last season.
—
Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 June 2025
This insensitive demand is also strengthened by the impracticality of alternatives.
—Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Ironically, sanctions strengthened the regime by encouraging smuggling, concentrating wealth among oligarchs.
—Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Happel plans to strengthen his connections with independent local businesses, neighbors and artists — some of whom showed up to liquor license hearings curious about the future of the Federal.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 June 2025
This insensitive demand is also strengthened by the impracticality of alternatives.
—Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Ironically, sanctions strengthened the regime by encouraging smuggling, concentrating wealth among oligarchs.
—Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Happel plans to strengthen his connections with independent local businesses, neighbors and artists — some of whom showed up to liquor license hearings curious about the future of the Federal.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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Tehran's rejection shows that U.S. pressure has hardened its stance, narrowing oversight after damage to its nuclear sites and suspended inspections.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
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Many had been taught to feel shame in Native culture and language at Indian boarding schools; others had been hardened by prison stints or by the harsh realities of urban poverty.—
Nick Estes,
New Yorker,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Coupang has been moving quickly to fortify Farfetch after purchasing the company out of administration at the end of 2023.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
19 June 2025
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From dense, intensely aromatic reds to delicate whites, from sparkling to still, from sweet to fortified, there is a wine here that will suit any palate.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Thoughtful packaging enhances brand perception, encourages repeat purchases and boosts word-of-mouth.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Some things in life are mood enhancing and for me one of those things are narrowing down the products that will make it in my suitcase for my summer excursions.—
Samantha Mims,
Essence,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Acapulco residents had braced for Erick's arrival with more preparation and trepidation because of the memory of the devastation two years earlier.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2025
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Song’s demystification of what passes for love in a typical rom-com is bracing.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
Verb
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The competition has definitely stiffened, after all.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 June 2025
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The defense stiffened, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs to set up Chris Callahan’s game-winning 28-yard kick.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
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As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2025
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Foiling yachts are typically equipped with software that adjusts the foils hundreds of times a second to maintain safe, level flight.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Getty Images Cybercriminals have intensified their efforts to steal and sell online passwords, experts warn.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
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While inflation and rising interest rates have intensified financial pressure across the board, the impact has been disproportionately severe for those already operating at a capital disadvantage, which includes many women of color entrepreneurs.—
Alejandra Rojas,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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An attempt to bolster his signal under the guise of a junior ham-radio club ends with Elio getting clocked in the eye.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
19 June 2025
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The surge in American millionaires was bolstered by robust stock market returns, with the S&P 500 jumping more than 23% last year.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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