strengthening 1 of 3

Definition of strengtheningnext

strengthening

2 of 3

noun

strengthening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of strengthen
1
as in hardening
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in stiffening
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe a bill was introduced to strengthen punishments for hate crimes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 strengthening
Noun
Ouchi recommends constant physical strengthening, specifically weight lifting. Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 After adding my hair growth favorites to your cart, check out more of the brand's strengthening and growth-boosting formulas. Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 26 May 2026 But those key areas do need strengthening, especially with Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers likely to be strong next season, along with whoever else drops out of the Premier League. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 3 May 2026 The initiative will also support developing countries through outreach such as training, advisory services and institutional strengthening. Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026 Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 In the immediate term, the strengthening of the Haiti National Police is underway. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 The benefits include more calories burned, greater muscle strengthening, and improved endurance. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 Indeed, both companies aim to continue the exploration of new synergies that contribute to the growth and strengthening of their editorial and audiovisual strategies. Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
This unique capability supports readiness while strengthening the industrial base and bringing certainty to modernization. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026 Bell unspooled an agenda centered on improving graduation rates and job placement, strengthening athletics, enhancing Greek life and the broader student experience, recruiting top faculty and expanding UF’s academic medical enterprise. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 Those of us dedicated to strengthening American democracy have long supported the hallmarks of a free and fair society, including a vibrant civil society, an independent press, quality civics education, and elections run with integrity. Sarita Gupta, Time, 2 June 2026 With the sun lighting up your communication sector and Saturn strengthening your sense of self, this is a powerful time to speak with intention instead of overreacting in the moment. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 Amid the impasse, Gulf states are strengthening their medium to long-term strategic investment commitment to the energy transition, with UAE’s Masdar arguably the standout renewables player today. Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 June 2026 Indeed, research suggests mentally stimulating activities like these may help support cognitive resilience as people age by strengthening neural connections and encouraging lifelong learning. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026 The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response said Sunday that crews were making progress at strengthening measures to contain the oil during cleanup and recovery. City News Service, Daily News, 27 May 2026 But if innovation is guided by the goal of expanding human capability, deepening learning, improving health, strengthening communities, and creating new avenues for contribution, then AI can become a remarkable force for good. Jamie Merisotis, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthening
Noun
  • That was the largest increase in the plant’s more than 30-year history, records show.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • Since 2019, the National Poison Data System has fielded a nearly 1,500% increase in calls related to overdoses or side effects from injectable weight loss drugs.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Enterprises that spent years hardening endpoints, strengthening identity controls and building sophisticated security operations centers are now layering AI capabilities on top of existing environments without adapting the controls needed to govern them securely.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Dark lunar maria are visible sprawling across the moon's surface, where lava once rose to the surface before hardening to form enormous basaltic plains.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • More picks offer more chances at fortifying their roster, or more trade ammunition to move up for a quarterback in a strong draft class next spring.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
  • Microsoft is aggressively fortifying its weak spots.
    Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • That’s despite growing appeal as the oldest baby boomers are turning 80 this year and the United States faces a deepening shortage of home care aides, driven by low wages, high turnover and demanding workloads.
    Matt O’Brien, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • Housing costs have soared, deepening affordability worries and homelessness.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • And SpaceX isn't the only colossal market debut investors are now bracing for.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 June 2026
  • California 'bracing for impact' as SNAP changes loom Since some states have yet to fully implement the changes, experts say SNAP participation rates are likely to fall further.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Chronic inflammation damages blood vessels, stiffening them and increasing resistance.
    Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026
  • The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.
    Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Cayenne owners will be able to track charging via their My Porsche app and are able to create pre-conditioning settings to meet their individual needs.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Dyson also claims that the Omega nourishing collection delivers up to 94 percent stronger hair, compared to using non-conditioning shampoo on straight hair.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • Despite the enthusiasm on social media for colostrum, researchers consistently conclude that there is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend colostrum broadly for immune enhancement or gut health in healthy adults.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • Garcia Alvarez, whose art has been exhibited around the world, said each scent is a natural enhancement to his creations.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthening. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on strengthening

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster