strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)-
strengthened; strengthening
ˈstreŋ(k)th-niŋ, 
ˈstren(t)th-;
  ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)-
Synonyms of strengthen

transitive verb

: to make stronger, more forceful, more effective, etc.
These exercises will strengthen your abdominal muscles.

intransitive verb

: to become stronger, more forceful, more effective, etc.
The winds are expected to strengthen.
strengthener
ˈstreŋ(k)th-nər, 
ˈstren(t)th-;
  ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)-
noun

Synonyms of strengthen

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Examples of strengthen in a Sentence

These exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles. He takes herbs to strengthen his immune system. The development of new electronic products has strengthened the company's position as the leader in digital technology. Holidays often serve to strengthen bonds between family members. Their financial situation strengthened her determination to find a new career. The team has been strengthened by the addition of several new players. The winds are expected to strengthen. The economy is slowly strengthening. The Canadian dollar is strengthening against the U.S. dollar. The trade restrictions will strengthen the pound.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Government reshuffle Ahead of the next winter period, Ukraine is strengthening the defense of its energy infrastructure and building up reserves to ensure sufficient supplies of heat and electricity. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 Also make sure your child participates in extracurricular activities and has unstructured time to get together with friends, both steps that will strengthen their relationships with classmates. — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 Skubal obviously strengthens the Dodgers’ already powerful rotation. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Using the proceeds to strengthen the balance sheet may be sensible. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strengthen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of strengthen was in the 15th century

Rhymes for strengthen

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Browse Nearby Words

strength deck
strengthen
strengthener
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Cite this Entry

“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strengthen. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on strengthen

Nglish: Translation of strengthen for Spanish Speakers

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