strengthening 1 of 3

Definition of strengtheningnext

strengthening

2 of 3

noun

strengthening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of strengthen
1
as in hardening
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in stiffening
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe a bill was introduced to strengthen punishments for hate crimes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of strengthening
Noun
But those key areas do need strengthening, especially with Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers likely to be strong next season, along with whoever else drops out of the Premier League. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 3 May 2026 The initiative will also support developing countries through outreach such as training, advisory services and institutional strengthening. Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026 Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 In the immediate term, the strengthening of the Haiti National Police is underway. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 The benefits include more calories burned, greater muscle strengthening, and improved endurance. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 What followed was not just the growth of an industry, but the strengthening of tribal self-determination. Cody J Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Indeed, both companies aim to continue the exploration of new synergies that contribute to the growth and strengthening of their editorial and audiovisual strategies. Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026 That kind of last-minute strengthening has become an increasing concern for local emergency managers along the Texas coast. Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Lean on your network Rather than spending all their time on applications, job seekers should prioritize making and strengthening connections, according to Gavin. Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 19 May 2026 Improving wall sit performance comes from consistent practice, proper form, and strengthening the quads, glutes, and core. Christa Sgobba, Health, 19 May 2026 Instead of strengthening the invisible networks of controls and standards that encourage better behavior, these arrests undermined an already fragile sense of trust between poor neighborhoods and government. Elizabeth Glazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 Rather than strengthening xAI’s position in the industry, the trial mostly served to illustrate its various weaknesses. Nikita Ostrovsky, Time, 19 May 2026 Led by Spcine, those efforts include institutional support, encouraging international circulation of works and strengthening São Paulo’s production chain. Ed Meza, Variety, 18 May 2026 Douglas explains that this makes the strands weaker, so focusing on conditioning and strengthening the hair will be most beneficial as you transition. Janell M. Hickman-Kirby, Allure, 18 May 2026 Leaders play a key role by encouraging consistent use, turning AI into a natural part of daily work and strengthening skills over time. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 This creates an immersive experience that allows viewers at home to feel part of the action as well, strengthening the overall sense of community. Christine Mortag, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthening
Noun
  • The raise was the 15th consecutive increase by the Fed and the first since Ben Bernanke took over as chairman of the FOMC.
    Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 22 May 2026
  • Strava Muscle Maps As well as being consistent with an increase in the popularity of strength training, even as an add-on discipline for runners and cyclists, the improvement in Strava’s muscle maps feature is in harmony with wearable tech itself.
    Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Chinese officials were unsure what to make of Pete Hegseth’s presence — whether it was meant to convey a softer stance, a hardening one, or simply an ignorance of basic diplomatic protocol.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
  • The Timberwolves, who have made the past two Western Conference finals and endured their share of hardening heartbreaks, showed their quality in the critical moments.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Verb
  • Butka’s arrival continues a growing trend this offseason at Boise State, which is fortifying its inside game with taller, stronger bodies.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Think of calcium as fortifying fertilizer for your bones.
    Holly Carter, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The operator of the third-busiest cargo port in the United States has agreed to invest $8 million or more for a feasibility study into deepening and widening the 33-mile-long shipping channel.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 19 May 2026
  • In a stunning rebuke, the Board of Governors rejected his appointment, forcing UF to restart the search and deepening concerns among faculty and alumni that ideological alignment now outweighs academic credentials in Florida university leadership.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Pawlikowski has never been prone to go long, but at just 82 minutes, Fatherland is as bracing and brief as a polar-bear plunge.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 May 2026
  • The company’s relationship with Apple is strained and the two are bracing for potential lawsuits after the integration of ChatGPT into Apple devices has gone slowly.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.
    Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade, told us.
    Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cayenne owners will be able to track charging via their My Porsche app and are able to create pre-conditioning settings to meet their individual needs.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Dyson also claims that the Omega nourishing collection delivers up to 94 percent stronger hair, compared to using non-conditioning shampoo on straight hair.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • As part of that package, Republicans included $1 billion for White House security enhancements, part of it connected to Trump’s ballroom.
    Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • The platform is built on large language model infrastructure and adapted for legal workflows through integrations, prompt engineering, and domain-specific enhancements.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthening. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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