Synonyms of strengthens

strengthens

verb

present tense third-person singular of strengthen

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

• hardens
• fortifies
• toughens
• energizes
• tempers
• beefs (up)
• invigorates
• vitalizes
• firms (up)
• anneals
• tones (up)
• restrengthens

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakens
• hurts
• impairs
• paralyzes
• injures
• cripples
• harms
• damages
• debilitates
• undermines
• enfeebles
• enervates
• breaks down
• incapacitates
• undercuts
• wears out
• saps

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

• fortifies
• hardens
• adjusts
• reinforces
• bolsters
• toughens
• inures
• adapts
• boosts
• steels
• supports
• braces
• seasons
• invigorates
• vitalizes
• indurates
• enforces
• immunizes
• tempers
• acclimatizes
• anneals
• acclimates
• accustoms
• buttresses
• conditions
• breaks in
• trains
• habituates
• forearms
• naturalizes
• props (up)
• limbers (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• softens
• weakens
• saps
• exhausts
• cripples
• enfeebles
• sensitizes
• incapacitates
• emasculates
• enervates
• debilitates
• hamstrings

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

• intensifies
• enhances
• deepens
• heightens
• consolidates
• reinforces
• broadens
• boosts
• sharpens
• amplifies
• accentuates
• expands
• redoubles
• magnifies
• emphasizes
• lengthens
• augments
• extends
• steps up
• accelerates
• maximizes
• amps (up)
• enforces
• enlarges
• beefs (up)
• hastens
• quickens
• enlivens
• stresses
• exacerbates
• points (up)
• supplements
• aggravates
• restrengthens
• jazzes (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduces
• decreases
• weakens
• diminishes
• moderates
• lessens
• tones (down)
• abates
• subdues
• wanes
• recedes
• subsides
• alleviates
• tapers (off)
• lightens
• eases
• lets up (on)
• dwindles

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

• fortifies
• braces
• nerves
• readies
• poises
• reinforces
• forearms
• bolsters
• steels
• arms
• enforces
• toughens
• sustains
• inures
• psyches (up)
• hardens
• encourages
• emboldens
• inspires
• heartens
• boosts
• buttresses
• supports
• stirs
• comforts
• rouses
• seasons
• buoys (up)
• cheers (up)
• props (up)
• rallies

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shakes
• discourages
• undermines
• demoralizes
• weakens
• disheartens
• unnerves
• daunts
• softens
• undercuts
• saps
• debilitates
• enfeebles
• dispirits
• enervates
• tires
• psychs (out)
• prostrates

5

as in stiffens

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe

a bill was introduced to strengthen punishments for hate crimes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stiffens
• toughens
• hardens
• harshens

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• eases
• lessens
• softens
• moderates
• ameliorates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of strengthens

Personalized recognition builds trust, strengthens belonging and creates cultures where people choose to do their best work. — Candy Fernandez, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The additional crew also strengthens Folsom’s ability to work with neighboring agencies, including the El Dorado Hills Fire Department and Cal Fire, on wildfires and other major incidents, Lawlor said. — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The formula leaves a clean slate with clarifying acids— a BHA (salicylic acid) and an AHA (malic acid)—to clear away any build up on the scalp, and strengthens with omega-9 (oleic acid) to support healthier waves from root-to-tip. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026

Every solution is designed to augment human expertise rather than replace it, ensuring AI strengthens decision-making while maintaining accountability, transparency, and trust. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

The investment also strengthens Winnipeg’s position in a specialized part of the aerospace supply chain. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

This is an important achievement for Brazil and strengthens the country’s competitiveness as a sourcing platform for Europe. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026

Niacinamide — a multi-functional ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and calms and fades discoloration — is also in the mix. — Claudia Fisher, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026

Louis’ move from linebacker to safety strengthens this unit, but the former Pittsburgh standout will need time to develop. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026