as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
stiffened corpses an old-fashioned dress with a stiffened lace collar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in strengthened
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe
plans to further stiffen the already onerous requirements for admission to the elite military unit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stiffened
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Here, it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and the suspension has been stiffened a little for a sportier feel.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025
The Broncos' defense stiffened in the fourth quarter yet again, but finally bent at the end of regulation in surrendering a game-tying field-goal drive.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
New Mexico moved methodically downfield with the opening possession, using half the first quarter before the SDSU defense stiffened and limited the Lobos to a 37-yard field goal.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2025
Drew stiffened as Theo Wiggins headed his way.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
McDaniel made the point that the Dolphins’ defensive line and run defense stiffened somewhat after struggling badly on the first drive.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Then Philly’s defensive line stiffened, forcing Baker Mayfield into a costly interception near the goal line.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The heart muscle may have thickened slightly, and arteries have likely stiffened, which can raise blood pressure.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
Michael Carroll’s son stiffened — a cold jolt running through him — when his shovel struck what looked like rags and bones in the basement on Halloween eve 2018.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffened
Adjective
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Pinto got the extension, but was left off the Olympic roster amidst stiff competition for centre roles.—
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The president’s bows were aloof and stiff.—
Verb
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The dialogue between past and present will be strengthened further with the opening of the Jewish Academy in the Westend district.—
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When Mars and Venus are both in cazimi — activated by the sun in Capricorn — relationships may undergo a reset where intentions are clarified and commitments are either strengthened or redefined.—
Adjective
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No one is being ordered to give up bread, meat or the occasional indulgence, just as no one should treat a diagram as a rigid prescription.—
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Their analyses relied on rigid formulas that ignore the dynamics of companies driven by invention, rapid scaling, and exponential growth.—
Adjective
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Even with the affair, David's alibi appeared to be solid, so Belinda's murder went unsolved for years.—
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Polka dots bring visual interest without overwhelming a look, pairing easily with solid staples.—
Cite this Entry
“Stiffened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffened. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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