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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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
The United States is leading separate peace talks with Kyiv and Moscow as Ukrainian and Russian forces seek to strengthen their respective hands through territorial gains.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Women directors can take a lead role in strengthening stakeholder relations.
—Committee Of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
For decades, Bayern had been surrounded by the suspicion that their transfer policy was aimed at weakening Bundesliga opponents as much as strengthening their own squad.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Tensions have risen in recent years as the US and its partners sought to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific by strengthening alliances and courting smaller nations.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Women directors can take a lead role in strengthening stakeholder relations.
—Committee Of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
For decades, Bayern had been surrounded by the suspicion that their transfer policy was aimed at weakening Bundesliga opponents as much as strengthening their own squad.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Tensions have risen in recent years as the US and its partners sought to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific by strengthening alliances and courting smaller nations.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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To start, harden off your seedlings over a two-week period and then plant them in a sunny, well-draining garden bed or 8- to 12-inch pots.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Apr. 2025
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The Mexican leader did harden her language on the topic following the Los Alegres del Barranco concert.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The slightly curved wand coats each lash in nourishing ingredients—biotin helps to fortify lashes to protect against breakage, while antioxidant-rich ingredients like peptides, vitamin E, and panthenol help to condition and hydrate.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 Mar. 2025
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Though the Steelers have made a concerted effort to fortify the trenches, this move that’s felt inevitable for some time.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, SRI focuses on enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing chemical dependency, and promoting water conservation.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
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Multimillion-dollar residences on the stylish Soho strip enhance the neighborhood’s offerings, providing residents with unmatched dwellings.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Goldman Sachs worries the stock drawdown is about to get worse, and is bracing for wider credit spreads and a recession.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Dealers and car buyers are biting their nails and bracing for impact as the current auto market becomes more difficult to navigate for all parties.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Inflation, perhaps stiffened by tariffs, and uncertainty over the future of the labor market have left consumers feeling uneasy.—
DeArbea Walker,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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After a second quarter defensive letdown, the Heat stiffened against a team that leads the league in points per 100 possessions, at 122.4.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Federal rules allow hospitals to report an estimate, a price range, or a historical rate for their services, while health plans can adjust prices based on factors like the severity of the case, the length of treatment, and a patient’s age.—
Daniel Chang,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
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Ren has trouble adjusting to the woman Olivia has become and still sees her as a broken girl, leading to resentment and distance between mother and daughter.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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But even as China’s drills have intensified, and its missiles, warships and fighter jets have advanced, many experts have doubted that the Chinese military could cross the Taiwan Strait with the speed and numbers needed for a successful invasion.—
Chris Buckley,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While the Canes’ big swing for Mikko Rantanen didn’t work out as expected, this team still made a few moves to bolster this lineup.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
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Beyond trying to bolster their technical filters, most anti-spam and anti-phishing emails sent out by IT departments as trial balloons still follow the same outdated patterns as in the past.—
Kevin Korte,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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