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
These services, which may include resume building, interview preparation and job search strategies, can help strengthen efforts to rejoin the workforce.
—
Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
In March, two South Carolina state legislators introduced bills to strengthen the state’s Heritage Act, largely aiming to preserve Confederate statues statewide.
—Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025
Having brought in two centre-backs, a holding midfielder and a versatile forward in January, City are looking to strengthen in other areas, with a goalkeeper, full-back and creative midfielders among the targets.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Her administration has launched an 18-point industrial policy to strengthen domestic production in key sectors like auto parts, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
In March, two South Carolina state legislators introduced bills to strengthen the state’s Heritage Act, largely aiming to preserve Confederate statues statewide.
—Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025
Having brought in two centre-backs, a holding midfielder and a versatile forward in January, City are looking to strengthen in other areas, with a goalkeeper, full-back and creative midfielders among the targets.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Her administration has launched an 18-point industrial policy to strengthen domestic production in key sectors like auto parts, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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These were also the years when Twain’s contradictions began to harden into gleaming marble.—
Lauren Michele Jackson,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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Dirt and sweat can dry and harden your gloves and soil the inside, defeating their purpose of protecting your hands.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Reinvent continuously: Change is the one constant, and knowing that disruption remains at an all-time high, leaders must be able to navigate these changes and fortify their enterprise resilience on an ongoing basis—for both the short- and long-term.—
Muqsit Ashraf,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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Georgia’s roster is now fortified for another national championship run, with things seeming to depend on two spots: starting quarterback Gunner Stockton and a young offensive line.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His mission is to democratize AI, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can leverage automation to enhance productivity and efficiency.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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This approach enables companies to tailor marketing strategies and personalize offerings, thereby enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Chipotle, like other restaurants and fast-food chains that rely on supplies from Mexico, also forecast tepid annual comparable sales growth, bracing for a hit from inflation.—
Ananya Mariam Rajesh,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Now city leaders are bracing for a nearly $1-billion budget deficit.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The city of Fort Worth has stiffened penalties for unauthorized tree clearing in an effort to hold developers accountable and protect the city’s natural landscapes.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Apr. 2025
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For a more visceral feel, 'Sport' increases the throttle response, stiffens the suspension, and opens the exhaust valves.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Why Milwaukee could win: Friday night, the Bucks adjusted.—
Hannah Vanbiber,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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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,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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President Trump’s recent ultimatum proposing U.S. recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea has intensified the diplomatic divide within Europe, forcing European capitals to choose between Kyiv or Washington.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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As the pope’s funeral approached, security around the Vatican intensified.—
Alan Yuhas,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, bolstering domestic film and television production is in line with Trump’s agenda to bring jobs back from overseas, more generally.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
2 May 2025
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And more than 260 Su-30 ground attack jets bolster India’s force.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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