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
The Verve Therapeutics acquisition reinforces Eli Lilly’s position as an attractive investment opportunity, supported by strong demand for its obesity treatments and successful diversification into high-potential therapeutic areas.
—
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
That comes after Trump has broadly praised Israel's aggressive campaign against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, reinforcing a hawkish stance that bolsters Israel's right-wing leadership in its operations—not only against Iran but also in Gaza and the West Bank.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
But the narrative was reinforced Tuesday afternoon when Alphonso Davies, recovering from an ACL tear suffered in March, arrived at Canada’s hotel to support his teammates.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 18 June 2025
As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
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Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
That comes after Trump has broadly praised Israel's aggressive campaign against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, reinforcing a hawkish stance that bolsters Israel's right-wing leadership in its operations—not only against Iran but also in Gaza and the West Bank.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
But the narrative was reinforced Tuesday afternoon when Alphonso Davies, recovering from an ACL tear suffered in March, arrived at Canada’s hotel to support his teammates.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 18 June 2025
As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 June 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 25 Jun. 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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