reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs 
variants
or less commonly reenforce
reinforced also reenforced; reinforcing also reenforcing; reinforces also reenforces
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced
reinforce levees
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce ideas
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
reinforce our troops
were reinforcing their pitching staff
3
: to stimulate (a subject, such as an experimental animal) by reinforcement (see reinforcement sense 3)
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
: to seek or get reinforcements
Examples of reinforce in a Sentence
The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops.
Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter.
The levees will need to be reinforced.
The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow.
Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military.
We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.
Recent Examples on the Web
These platforms must forge collaborative networks that mutually reinforce one another and establish a rigorous framework that makes the cultural values of the biennial format legible, tangible, and palpable to various segments of society in the immediate locale and across the continent.
—
Smooth Nzewi, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
At the same time, my background in human resources reinforced the importance of people—building strong teams, fostering trust, and creating a culture where individuals can contribute at their best.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
Exclusive venue contracts also reinforced its role in distributing tickets for major tours.
—Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
But Lynch's remarks reinforce the pitfalls of trying to sidestep drawdowns by making dramatic moves.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
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Smooth Nzewi, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
At the same time, my background in human resources reinforced the importance of people—building strong teams, fostering trust, and creating a culture where individuals can contribute at their best.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
Exclusive venue contracts also reinforced its role in distributing tickets for major tours.
—Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
But Lynch's remarks reinforce the pitfalls of trying to sidestep drawdowns by making dramatic moves.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
Cite this Entry
“Reinforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinforce. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce the argument with facts
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
were reinforcing their pitching staff
reinforce our troops
3
: to stimulate (a person or animal) with a reinforcer
also
: to increase the frequency of (a response) with a reinforcer
Medical Definition
reinforce
transitive verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs
reinforced; reinforcing
1
: to strengthen by additional material or support : make stronger
reinforced with vitamins
2
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) by reinforcement
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
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