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
But the tremendous uncertainty left by the US’s chaotic retreat from aid gives recipient countries little choice but to try to strengthen their own state capacity.
—
Dylan Matthews, Vox, 28 Mar. 2025
There is broad support across all demographics and political parties for strengthening the program, which is an effective system that should be improved to be financially secure for decades to come.
—Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
Open source allows a company to build a community of developers around a particular model, strengthening its capabilities and also its reach globally.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025
Liverpool’s owners at Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are expected to set aside money to replace any outgoing players and strengthen the squad ahead of Slot’s second season in charge.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Dylan Matthews, Vox, 28 Mar. 2025
There is broad support across all demographics and political parties for strengthening the program, which is an effective system that should be improved to be financially secure for decades to come.
—Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
Open source allows a company to build a community of developers around a particular model, strengthening its capabilities and also its reach globally.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025
Liverpool’s owners at Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are expected to set aside money to replace any outgoing players and strengthen the squad ahead of Slot’s second season in charge.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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Tomato seedlings that aren't hardened off can struggle to grow or adapt to the outdoor climate after transplanting.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
23 Mar. 2025
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March 27 is an opportunity to dissolve barriers between the heart and the soul, and to soften the edges where hurt has hardened us.—
Colin Bedell,
Them,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Another company, Thyssenkrupp, then processed the recycled titanium to enhance its machining and deformation characteristics.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Knights hope to elevate veteran pass-rushing group The Knights have several starters returning to balance a talented group that should enhance the team’s pass rushing abilities.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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At the party, Greg pulls her aside, and Belinda braces herself — but Greg surprises her.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
30 Mar. 2025
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In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, counties including Alger, Luce, Delta, and Schoolcraft are bracing for up to 8 inches of snow and ice accumulations of up to half an inch through Sunday evening, while Dickinson, Iron, and Menominee Counties could see up to 6 inches of snow.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 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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Freaky Friday was based on Mary Rodgers’ 1972 novel, and earned $160 million globally, not adjusted for inflation.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2025
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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
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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Partnerships with Local Enterprises Strategic collaborations with small and mid-sized enterprises bolster both community integration and financial sustainability.—
Priya Oberoi,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Those odds have only improved after the front office bolstered what was already a championship roster by adding starting pitchers Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki and closer Tanner Scott.—
Mark Ross,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
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