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
This week, hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University predicted 13 named storms, with six strengthening to hurricanes and two reaching major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 The benefits include more calories burned, greater muscle strengthening, and improved endurance. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 What followed was not just the growth of an industry, but the strengthening of tribal self-determination. Cody J Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 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 That kind of last-minute strengthening has become an increasing concern for local emergency managers along the Texas coast. Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 Of course, the Elixir Ultime Oil, with its shine-enhancing, strengthening, and softening properties, would be one of Moore’s go-tos. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026 Harris voted for original law in 2017 but said Monday that the strengthening legislation took too much from cities looking to keep workers nearby. Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026 Western scalp treatments often rely on stronger, single-minded actives (think minoxidil or high-dose exfoliants) aimed at correcting a problem quickly, while Korean formulas take a more holistic, long-game approach, combining soothing, strengthening, and circulation-stimulating ingredients. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
Although United want to add two midfielders, doing both at a price point in the £70m-plus region — echoing their three big signings last summer — might be beyond their finances this time round, given the further squad strengthening required. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Organized by the Malta Film Commission, the festival is set to grow in both scale and ambition this year, with an enlarged program of screenings, industry events and cultural offerings aimed at strengthening Malta’s role as an international filmmaking hub. Kennedy French, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 Copper peptides are especially helpful for strengthening and repairing thinner, more fragile skin in this area. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026 Attention then turns to Thursday, when a cold front tied to a strengthening low-pressure system to the north approaches from the west. Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026 The move aimed at strengthening Japan’s defense industrial base marks another step away from pacifist restraints that have shaped its postwar security policy. CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 And there’s upside to Churchill Downs strengthening its presence in the region, the note said. Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 21 Apr. 2026 The event is supported by the Placer County District Attorney Office’s Empowerment and Resilience Project, which focuses on honoring victims of crime, raising awareness and strengthening connections between victims, survivors and the community. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Ahead of this system on Thursday, southwest winds will be strengthening across the region. Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthening
Noun
  • Rain chances increase this afternoon with a focus from midafternoon through a bit beyond sunset expected.
    Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Pentagon's budget request this year also asked for more than $70 billion to procure missiles and related equipment, a nearly threefold increase compared to last year.
    James LaPorta, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Having won best in show at TinyFest over the past two years keeps Wilson coming back to the expo with new home designs, which are stick built and feature fire hardening.
    Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The sky was the color of cotton candy, but the stale kind that’s been hardening in a plastic bag for days after the fair.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The serum is formulated with a holy grail powerhouse that consists of a fortifying complex, firming complex, and Matrixyl 3000—all pivotal for minimizing signs of aging.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Analysts noted similar activity occurred before last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer strikes, suggesting a pattern of fortifying critical facilities in anticipation of attacks.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The deal is Ascentium’s most recent in more than a dozen acquisitions, plugging a gap in the company’s mainland China coverage while deepening its footprint in hot Southeast Asian growth markets.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Ashley’s fear of abandonment has developed throughout the season; Austin’s articulation only puts a fine point on it, instead of deepening their relationship.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season nears, many Floridians are bracing for the storm, and that includes buying a hurricane preparedness kit, getting the hurricane shutters out of the garage, and/or devising what to do with your car.
    Jennifer Sangalang, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Companies, however, appear to be bracing for the ripple effects of the disruptions; at least 21 firms have withdrawn or reduced financial ​guidance since the war began, and 32 have signaled price hikes, Reuters reported.
    Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade, told us.
    Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 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
  • The money would fund not only improvements inside the stadium but also bridges and roads outside, along with security enhancements.
    J.D. Miles, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Pergine gives her lip enhancement with hyaluronic acid filler and routine neurotoxin treatments, which help her TMJ pain.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthening. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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