1
as in to harden
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fortify
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
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3
as in to enhance
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 to brace
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of strengthen
Senators also aim to highlight how women’s leadership can strengthen diplomacy, pointing to research linking female representation in government to more durable agreements, stable societies and greater investment in local communities.
—
Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
The force aims to strengthen defenses against growing unmanned aerial threats in the region.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
This reminds us that faith and trust in God are what truly matter, and encourages us to strengthen our relationship with Him through our actions and devotion.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Technology can absolutely strengthen parts of the hiring process.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
The force aims to strengthen defenses against growing unmanned aerial threats in the region.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
This reminds us that faith and trust in God are what truly matter, and encourages us to strengthen our relationship with Him through our actions and devotion.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Technology can absolutely strengthen parts of the hiring process.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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Scores of hardened, dangerous criminals are being paroled every year thanks to the Massachusetts Parole Board appointed by liberal Democrat Maura Healey.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2026
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The process relies on urushi, a natural lacquer derived from tree sap that hardens over time into a durable, food-safe coating.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The weekend only fortified the belief that things will turn.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
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Introduced last year in partnership with Projeto Paradiso in a bid to fortify the presence of Brazilian cinema in the global arena, Screen Brasil selects three projects and their respective sales agents.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Both forwards scored Wednesday, and both enhanced the opportunities of several teammates.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
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The dermatology and wellness center blends functional and aesthetic medicine to offer treatments designed to enhance natural features rather than dramatically alter them.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Eveningside’s smaller arms holding on to the chains while Morningside’s longer arms propelled them, her fists and excess joints braced against the ground; their span lengthening, extending and retracting in the girls’ to and fro.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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Lone lost both arms in an accident at the age of eight and taught himself to play cricket using his legs, batting with the bat braced between his neck and chin and bowling with his feet.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Golden State’s schedule stiffens with an upcoming trip to New York and Indiana.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
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There was a sudden spring shower, which stiffened into rain.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Additionally, Intuit is judiciously adjusting its Mailchimp investment to primarily optimize cash flow.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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Metro area rates are not seasonally adjusted, while the statewide mark was adjusted.—
News Service Of Florida,
Sun Sentinel,
22 May 2026
Verb
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But the indictment’s most consequential allegations center on what happened after Washington intensified sanctions pressure on Venezuela’s oil industry beginning in 2019.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
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Higher output at sea The findings arrive as governments worldwide intensify efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and expand renewable energy generation in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The Italian Global Series Festival (IGS) came to Cannes to celebrate the ambitious event that aims to bolster Italy’s status as an international TV player and announce highlights of its second edition to be held July 3-11 in the seaside cities of Rimini and Riccione.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
22 May 2026
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Chevron, as well as other top energy companies and experts, has emphasized that higher taxes, fees and standards on gas in California, as well as its restrictions on refining, have bolstered prices at the pump.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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