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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Recent Examples of strengthen
Key Takeaways Calcium builds and strengthens bones, while vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
—
T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Patience can strengthen your current confidence.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
The report evaluated the first year of California’s Peer-to-Peer Youth Mental Health High School Pilot Demonstration, a three-year initiative to strengthen student well-being by training high school students to support their peers.
—Vani Sanganeria, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Palace have strengthened in attack in January after completing the club-record signing of forward Brennan Johnson.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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For dry or gel polish, use ice to harden it, then gently lift or chip it off.—
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Even Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had been trying to ease anger before the demonstrations exploded in recent days, offered a hardening tone in an interview aired Sunday.—
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Overall, though, New Jersey didn’t land enough difference-makers to fortify the club’s supporting cast.—
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Foods like yogurt and kefir offer gut-friendly probiotics, and milk is often fortified with vitamin D.—
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Titanium dioxide materials and high-refractive-index lenses further enhance light absorption.—
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These features are further enhanced by technology that adapts to individual preferences, such as smart shower controls and lighting systems tailored to each user.—
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Hodges braced himself against a metal door frame to his right.—
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But this year, investors should brace for the possibility outperforming shares will collide with reality, billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio warned on Monday.—
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Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.—
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Cream of tartar or 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to help the meringue stiffen.—
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In addition to being moisture-wicking, the shearling lining helps to naturally adjust to your body’s temperature, keeping feet cool and dry.—
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
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For immigration advocates in the Bay Area, Good’s death has intensified long-standing concerns about intimidation and retaliation against those who monitor federal agents.—
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The chaos intensified after someone threw a snowball.—
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As California schools face worsening economic conditions, many districts are bolstering their reserves to stave off deficits.—
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Weymouth is experienced and has the potential for a run, bolstered by senior captains Ryan Ferguson (forward), Mike Curry (forward), Colin Browning (defense) and Billy Lennon (goalie).—
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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