anneal

verb

Definition of annealnext
as in to harden
to make stronger (as through hardship) She was annealed by the tragedies of her childhood.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 anneal Workable quantum solutions that make use of annealing systems are now in use. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 These services provide access to advanced quantum computing technologies, including annealing quantum computers with over 5,000 qubits and quantum-classical hybrid solvers capable of tackling complex problems involving up to one million variables. — Trefis Team, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Quantum annealing: This term is borrowed from annealing, a process that uses heat to alter the physical or chemical properties of a metal, glass, or plastic film to increase ductility and reduce hardness. — Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anneal
  1. harden
  2. strengthen
  3. fortify
  4. temper
  5. reinforce
Verb
  • Select and prepare the planting location while the plants are hardening off.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Public opinion in Europe has hardened against Russia, and there is a growing recognition that strategic dependency on the U.S. is untenable.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of harden
Verb
  • In addition to rosemary oil, this formula also contains plant proteins that strengthen the hair (leading to less breakage—something that can make your hair appear thinner) and hydrating ceramides.
    — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to Nixon’s EPA, President Teddy Roosevelt created the national parks, George H.W. Bush strengthened the Clean Air Act and George W. Bush set tougher rules on diesel truck emissions and the first guidelines for mercury pollution from power plants.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of strengthen
Verb
  • What hope had been fortified in the first half Wednesday had faded by the second.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Poles kicked things off with two trades for starting guards, not waiting until free agency to begin fortifying the group tasked with protecting Williams.
    — Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of fortify
Verb
  • Memon said this is a bittersweet Ramadan as it has been tempered the last couple of years over what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Servings: 6 On its own, rhubarb can be a little intense, but tempered by the sweetness of strawberries (also in season in the spring), the tart fruit provides just the right amount of tang.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of temper
Verb
  • If employees fear looking uninformed or worry that questioning leadership will lead to trouble, their brains shift into play it safe mode, blocking curiosity and reinforcing silos.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Doctor Reveals Shocking Responses When People Find Out Husband's Profession Looking back, the experience has only reinforced what Jackson believes about love and fate.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of reinforce

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“Anneal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anneal. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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