reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs 
variants
or less commonly reenforce
reinforced also reenforced; reinforcing also reenforcing; reinforces also reenforces
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced
reinforce levees
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce ideas
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
reinforce our troops
were reinforcing their pitching staff
3
: to stimulate (a subject, such as an experimental animal) by reinforcement (see reinforcement sense 3)
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
: to seek or get reinforcements
Examples of reinforce in a Sentence
The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops.
Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter.
The levees will need to be reinforced.
The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow.
Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military.
We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to testing the munition's capabilities, the mission also validated the aircraft's enduring advantages, including its stealth, range, and payload flexibility, while reinforcing its evolving role in maritime strike.
—
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Their leaders recognized that employee empowerment, operational efficiency and customer trust were not separate goals but reinforcing elements.
—Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Bullpen reinforced While the Reds twice beat the game’s best bullpen, their own is getting a boost on Friday when Burns returns from the IL.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The move has drawn strong protest from the Philippines and marks a new step in China’s effort to reinforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea, a strategic, resource-rich waterway through which more than 60 percent of global maritime trade transits.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
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Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Their leaders recognized that employee empowerment, operational efficiency and customer trust were not separate goals but reinforcing elements.
—Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Bullpen reinforced While the Reds twice beat the game’s best bullpen, their own is getting a boost on Friday when Burns returns from the IL.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The move has drawn strong protest from the Philippines and marks a new step in China’s effort to reinforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea, a strategic, resource-rich waterway through which more than 60 percent of global maritime trade transits.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
Cite this Entry
“Reinforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinforce. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce the argument with facts
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
were reinforcing their pitching staff
reinforce our troops
3
: to stimulate (a person or animal) with a reinforcer
also
: to increase the frequency of (a response) with a reinforcer
Medical Definition
reinforce
transitive verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs
reinforced; reinforcing
1
: to strengthen by additional material or support : make stronger
reinforced with vitamins
2
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) by reinforcement
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
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