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
Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images The chief executive of Volkswagen says the German auto giant is pushing to strengthen its electromobility dominance in Europe with a new lineup of compact and affordable electric vehicles.
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Sam Meredith, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Provider consolidation into large health systems has strengthened bargaining power to set higher reimbursement rates with insurers.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
The announcement aligns with a new direction for American energy policy, following nuclear executive orders this year that aim to modernize regulations and strengthen the nuclear industrial base.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Putin’s bid to divide the U.S. from Europe has instead strengthened the transatlantic bond, leaving him more isolated and exposed.
—Kay Bailey Hutchison, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Sam Meredith, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Provider consolidation into large health systems has strengthened bargaining power to set higher reimbursement rates with insurers.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
The announcement aligns with a new direction for American energy policy, following nuclear executive orders this year that aim to modernize regulations and strengthen the nuclear industrial base.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Putin’s bid to divide the U.S. from Europe has instead strengthened the transatlantic bond, leaving him more isolated and exposed.
—Kay Bailey Hutchison, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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But as Beijing hardens its ties with Russia, North Korea and other nations unfriendly to the West, the emergence of two camps and the contest between them appears clearer than ever.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
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Veith realized this reversible property, known as shear thickening, could be used to create a protective additive that instantly hardens under impact, dramatically reducing the risk of fires in lithium-ion batteries.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Trying to stay ahead of the game, for Dick’s the acquisition of Foot Locker also fortifies relationships with Nike and Adidas, which still dominate global footwear sales, and gives Dick’s negotiating leverage.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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In the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the purple and gold will be looking to continue fortifying their roster, likely through the start of the regular season, with the trade deadline of February 6th circled on their calendar.—
Gabe Smallson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The trio, working in tandem with a blend of 30 essential oils and extracts, comes together to condition hair follicles, relieve dry scalp, smooth split ends, and enhance hair elasticity.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
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That is, the group enables Hamas to be both arsonist and firefighter, enhancing its control and reach into the lives of average, everyday Palestinians in Gaza.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Windy City has prepared for more than a week for looming National Guard deployments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, from the governor bracing for a court fight to parade planners postponing.—
Priscilla Alvarez,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
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Lucid Motors As luxury electric vehicle company Lucid Motors prepares to launch its Gravity SUV in Europe, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff is bracing for a fast-approaching deadline in the United States and laying out his strategy for dealing with its after-effects.—
Ed Garsten,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Yet that comes as experts say competition among convenience stores is stiffening.—
Natalie Rice,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Despite herself, Cali stiffened.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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By integrating tariff data with sales performance, market trends, and regulatory frameworks, Rensi can pinpoint inefficiencies, detect policy misalignments, and recommend corrective actions—ranging from renegotiating supplier terms to adjusting pricing strategies.—
Nish Acharya,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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That’s because congressional pay for rank-and-file members hasn’t been adjusted since 2009.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The interview came as federal investigators intensified their search for Kirk's killer.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
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Apple didn’t explain its reasoning behind the decision, but the market for satellite-to-phone service is intensifying.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Republican lawmakers are upping the pressure on GOP leaders to extend enhanced health insurance subsidies set to expire at year’s end for those with Affordable Care Act coverage, bolstering similar demands from Democrats as part of government funding talks.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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Fighting Irish are getting close to must-win mode early in the season without a conference title game to help bolster its College Football Playoff resume.—
Erik Buchinger,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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