1
as in hardens
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fortifies
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intensifies
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
encouraged the boarding school students to strengthen their ties with the community by doing public service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in braces
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
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 strengthens
The win further strengthens an impressive turnaround for the program, which missed the playoffs last year at 7-11-2, and in 2024 at 8-12.
—
Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
According to fitness coach Noam Tamir, CSCS, simply grabbing and holding onto weights challenges and strengthens your hands.
—Danielle Zickl, Health, 26 Feb. 2026
And clarity strengthens constitutional rights rather than weakening them.
—Joseph Potasnik, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Collaboration also strengthens relationships and communication.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
Quiet prep strengthens your courage for clearer starts.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
The research model addresses economic coordination challenges and suggests a pathway to sustainable, profitable e‑waste recycling that strengthens domestic mineral supply.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Feb. 2026
Training dental providers to recognize early warning signs not only improves access to timely care, but also strengthens the connection between oral, medical, and behavioral health.
—Divya Upadhyay, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026
Michael Pollan’s new book, about the mystery of consciousness, strengthens the case that technology will never truly replicate humans, Charles Finch writes.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
According to fitness coach Noam Tamir, CSCS, simply grabbing and holding onto weights challenges and strengthens your hands.
—Danielle Zickl, Health, 26 Feb. 2026
And clarity strengthens constitutional rights rather than weakening them.
—Joseph Potasnik, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Collaboration also strengthens relationships and communication.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
Quiet prep strengthens your courage for clearer starts.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
The research model addresses economic coordination challenges and suggests a pathway to sustainable, profitable e‑waste recycling that strengthens domestic mineral supply.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Feb. 2026
Training dental providers to recognize early warning signs not only improves access to timely care, but also strengthens the connection between oral, medical, and behavioral health.
—Divya Upadhyay, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026
Michael Pollan’s new book, about the mystery of consciousness, strengthens the case that technology will never truly replicate humans, Charles Finch writes.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthens
Verb
-
Lee Harvey Oswald folding under Jack Ruby’s bullet—a split second that hardens into our collective memory.—
Christopher Anderson,
Vanity Fair,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The snow eventually hardens like a concrete entombment.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Adding keratin back into hair fortifies the strands ultimately yielding stronger, healthier hair.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Trading for Vucevic fortifies Boston’s front court–and provides a valuable play-making skill set to complement Jaylen Brown in a season worthy of MVP consideration.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The bills have landed as debate over the future of data center regulation intensifies across the state.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The defeat intensifies pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who already faced a leadership crisis and struggles with cost-of-living challenges.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Merck is shaking up the leadership of its main pharmaceutical unit as the drugmaker braces for sales pressure later this decade, The Wall Street Journal reports.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
23 Feb. 2026
-
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency effective Sunday at noon as the state braces for up to 20 inches of snowfall.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The luxury retailer, weighed down by debt, is under pressure as consumers shift their shopping habits and competition stiffens.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The schedule stiffens over the final four with Green Bay and Jacksonville at home, a Christmas night game at Kansas City and then Week 18 at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
30 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Dunn finds himself in the difficult position of having to handle the ball, score and play defense as the team adjusts to new players and the absence of others.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The bill also adjusts a recent law that set the minimum age for Kindergarten at 5 years old.—
CT Mirror,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One pedal driving enhances efficiency through regenerative braking.—
Scotty Reiss,
Parents,
24 Feb. 2026
-
These form a periodic stack that enhances optoelectronic properties.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The film reinforces a basic truth, that the word isn’t just a word.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
-
But a closer look at the structure of the deal reinforces that Nvidia is still the best game in town.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Strengthens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthens. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
