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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of strengthen
The Pros of Living with Friends Cohabiting with a close friend can provide emotional support and strengthen bonds, as demonstrated by Izzy and her roommate's touching exchange.
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Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Blagojevich’s successor, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, convened a reform commission that suggested numerous changes to strengthen the state’s ethical guardrails.
—Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024
However, in the post-military government period from 1987 onward, democratic processes have strengthened political freedom.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Biden’s request to Congress reportedly called for $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which helps provide military equipment to Ukraine, fund training of its armed forces and advisory efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive position against Russian aggression.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for strengthen 
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Blagojevich’s successor, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, convened a reform commission that suggested numerous changes to strengthen the state’s ethical guardrails.
—Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024
However, in the post-military government period from 1987 onward, democratic processes have strengthened political freedom.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Biden’s request to Congress reportedly called for $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which helps provide military equipment to Ukraine, fund training of its armed forces and advisory efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive position against Russian aggression.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for strengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthen
Verb
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If necessary, place a resealable bag filled with ice over the stain to harden the sap first.Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
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Local utilities such as Austin Energy and CenterPoint Energy are also adding cleanup costs from storms and further costs necessary to harden their local distribution infrastructure to customers’ bills.Ed Hirs, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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Iraq has reportedly fortified its border with Syria in recent days and has been in talks with HTS.Brad Dress, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024
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This latest military activity underscores the ongoing struggle for influence in the Taiwan Strait, as China seeks to assert dominance while Taiwan fortifies its diplomatic and defense strategies.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
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But teams’ social media posts are also typically used to enhance marketing and generate fan interest, which are purposes that could cut against a fair use defense.Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Dec. 2024
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Like the Wynn, the World Poker Tour’s goal is to enhance the player experience.Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
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Airports are bracing for potential delays as winter weather disrupts flights.Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
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While only a few companies are set to release earnings reports this week, the stock market is bracing for a potentially pivotal moment.Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 15 Dec. 2024
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After this revelation, competition began to stiffen, and in 2012 the Ecke family sold its company to a Dutch agricultural operation, citing global competition and consolidation.Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 29 Nov. 2024
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That’s because, in addition to stiffening smartphone competition, President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of China tariffs could weigh on device sales even more.Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2024
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What changed with eSTAR? With these evolving expectations, the FDA has also adjusted its enforcement mechanisms.Mike Kijewski, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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Jason Kelce is still adjusting to life in front of a camera!Escher Walcott, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The rhetoric coming from the White House was less hostile, but getting tough on China had become a political necessity for whoever was president, and the trade war only intensified.Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
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China's naval maneuvers near Taiwan intensified over the weekend, with Taiwan's Defense Ministry reporting 14 warships, seven military aircraft, and four balloons in the region.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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His contributions, therefore, have implications that extend beyond individual corporations, bolstering the compliance framework that underpins a healthy and stable global economy.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
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His past history of vaccine skepticism — newly bolstered by his hiring of lawyer Aaron Siri, who has petitioned for a variety of vaccines to be withdrawn — has given Senate Republicans pause.Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthen. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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