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
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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
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Recent Examples of strengthens
Here is what the research says about why crafting together strengthens couples, and which hands-on classes deliver the strongest payoff.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
Agility further strengthens its operations through ownership of key hardware technologies and a domestic supply chain, with approximately 75 percent of Digit’s components sourced within the US.
—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 June 2026
This proactive approach provides essential flexibility, reduces stress and strengthens the business.
—
Rob Falzon,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Louden points out that sometimes an English word strengthens and diversifies the Pennsylvania Dutch lexicon rather than diminishes it.
—
Eythana Miller,
The Dial,
23 June 2026
The Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Youth Shampoo removes buildup, cleanses the scalp, softens and strengthens strands (meaning less breakage), increases moisture starting at the root, improves follicle health (meaning less shedding), and imparts shine.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
15 June 2026
As Harvard Business Review notes, leaders who regularly reflect on their experiences gain self-awareness, which strengthens decision-making and leadership effectiveness.
—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Chelsea’s more identifiable structure strengthens them in possession and in defensive transition, which was Mauricio Pochettino’s big weakness as Maresca’s 2023-24 predecessor.
—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
Leaders in Washington should also pursue a proactive and affirmative agenda that builds our domestic fabrication and packaging capacity, strengthens our research and design ecosystem, and creates new demand for Made-in-America chips at home and overseas.
—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
Agility further strengthens its operations through ownership of key hardware technologies and a domestic supply chain, with approximately 75 percent of Digit’s components sourced within the US.
—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 June 2026
This proactive approach provides essential flexibility, reduces stress and strengthens the business.
—
Rob Falzon,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Louden points out that sometimes an English word strengthens and diversifies the Pennsylvania Dutch lexicon rather than diminishes it.
—
Eythana Miller,
The Dial,
23 June 2026
The Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Youth Shampoo removes buildup, cleanses the scalp, softens and strengthens strands (meaning less breakage), increases moisture starting at the root, improves follicle health (meaning less shedding), and imparts shine.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
15 June 2026
As Harvard Business Review notes, leaders who regularly reflect on their experiences gain self-awareness, which strengthens decision-making and leadership effectiveness.
—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Chelsea’s more identifiable structure strengthens them in possession and in defensive transition, which was Mauricio Pochettino’s big weakness as Maresca’s 2023-24 predecessor.
—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
Leaders in Washington should also pursue a proactive and affirmative agenda that builds our domestic fabrication and packaging capacity, strengthens our research and design ecosystem, and creates new demand for Made-in-America chips at home and overseas.
—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthens
Verb
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As patterns become clear and predictable, the organization hardens them into deterministic rules.
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Practically overnight, Sylvia’s cozy attitude toward the girl hardens into coolness, impatience and neglect.
Verb
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Inside, soy proteins repair and strengthen, copper peptides stimulate keratin production–aka the protein that fortifies and minimizes frizz–and pro-B vitamins amplify fullness.
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The Olive and June product can also be applied daily to bare nails as an intensive strengthening treatment that not only fortifies your claws, but also repairs ridges, discoloration, and pesky peeling along the way.
Verb
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Very dry weather tends to lead to higher temperatures, which causes more evaporation that intensifies the drought—leading to even drier conditions, Myers explained.
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Taiwan’s defense ministry on Sunday announced a five-day combat readiness exercise as China intensifies military activity around the island.
Verb
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As cybersecurity braces for a post-quantum world where standard encryption keys will become obsolete, Q-Dice offers a concrete line of defense.
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From Spain’s Basque Country to southern England, Europe braces for days of triple-digit heat, a preview of increasingly deadly summers linked to climate change and strained emergency systems.
Verb
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For seven-and-a-half years, Ladd had dealt with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that stiffens and scars the lungs.
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To execute its ruthless 66-pound weight loss program, the rear seats have been completely deleted, replaced by a massive structural strut brace that significantly stiffens the chassis.
Verb
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Instead of catering to automobile traffic like typical intersection signal systems, Jung's invention adjusts crossing signal times based on the slowest pedestrian's pace.
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Its temperature sensor also monitors room temperature and adjusts airflow to ensure the home is never too hot or too cold.
Verb
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Pairing fish with heart-healthy sides—such as leafy greens, nuts, olive oil, or fiber-rich grains—enhances its protective effects.
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While the technology assists in officiating and enhances live broadcasts, those sensors can also add uneven mass distribution that impedes a ball's movement in the air.
Verb
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If the job of a debut album is to introduce an artist to the world, while a sophomore album reinforces their reputation, then a third album offers a channel for artists to expand beyond the familiar tricks and peculiarities that shot them to fame in the first place.
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The study, which primarily reinforces existing knowledge about COVID vaccines, sought to determine how COVID vaccinations impact hospitalizations, emergency room trips and urgent care visits.
Cite this Entry
“Strengthens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthens. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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