strengthening 1 of 3

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
Verb
This means not only strengthening technical defenses but also fostering a culture of security awareness at every level. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 This dynamic fosters mutual respect and curiosity, strengthening the overall mentorship culture within the organization. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Begin by heavily investing in prevention, focusing on strengthening defenses through firewalls, encryption, access controls and employee training. Kevin Lynch, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Our focus will be on strengthening our economy and making life more affordable for families across the state. Derek Slap, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025 Additionally, the United States has expanded its military alliances, strengthening its ability to encircle rivals and project power across Eurasia. Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 In the meantime, Washington should sap their strength by welcoming their brightest people to the United States through immigration and by strengthening connections with their societies through student visas, diplomatic exchanges, and nonstrategic trade. Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Beyond the environmental impact, the program is enabling IKEA to co-create a circular economy narrative with its customers, strengthening loyalty while advancing sustainability goals. Vivek Rana, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 REM sleep may play a critical role in strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills, too. Lynne Peeples, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthening
Noun
  • More than 7,300 retail stores closed last year, a 57% increase from 2023, according to Coresight Research.
    Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
  • While homicides were down, IMPD recorded a 7% increase in the number of non-fatal shootings among kids.
    Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • To protect hypervisors, organizations must invest in proper network segmentation, hardening programs and runtime security.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Our focus needs to shift from detecting every single threat to hardening our environments and assuming breaches will happen.
    Danny Jenkins, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Many of their veterans are in deepening slumps at the wrong time.
    Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Despairing of his father’s physical decline and deepening depression, Filip and his friend and co-director Fredrik Wikingsson (the pair are popular TV personalities in Sweden) conspire to get the old man out of the house and on the road – to France.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The complication only needs adjusting every 122 years—an ageless classic bursting with joie de vivre just like Goldblum.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The On the Basis of Sex actress previously opened up about adjusting to motherhood after the birth of her first child.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This might involve granting clearance to select staff, contracting with specialized cybersecurity firms, or enhancing internal information technology capabilities.
    Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
  • That said, Crocs’ management is utilizing its strong profit margins to repurchase shares and reduce debt, having repaid $248 million in debt and spent $326 million on buybacks in 2024 so far, enhancing shareholder value.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Authorities are also bracing for potential conflicts with Yoon's presidential security detail if an attempt is made to take him into custody by force.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
  • But with 2025 fast approaching, even those who’ve stayed afloat are bracing for what comes next.
    Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Pairing alpaca knit sweater tops with sleek trousers is a stimulating experience too.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Caffeine and Adderall produce similar stimulating effects on the body.
    Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Share how feedback has shaped your leadership journey, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Finer details on the type of robots being used or their functions have not yet been revealed, but clearly the production of rebar (the reinforcing rods used in concrete construction) will be a major focus, which makes sense since Neom is currently using around 20% of the world's steel supply.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 22 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near strengthening

Cite this Entry

“Strengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthening. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strengthening

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!