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Definitions

strengthen

[strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren-] / ˈstrɛŋk θən, ˈstrɛŋ-, ˈstrɛn- /
VERB
make more forceful, powerful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bolster build up enhance enlarge establish extend heighten increase intensify invigorate reinforce restore set up step up support sustain toughen
STRONG
add anneal ascend brace buttress confirm corroborate empower fortify harden justify mount multiply regenerate rejuvenate renew rise steel substantiate temper tone wax
WEAK
add fuel to fire make firm sinew tone up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abridge condense curtail decrease destroy diminish halt hinder lessen let down lower reduce shrink slow subtract undermine weaken
STRONG
contradict decline deny descend disprove drop fall kill reject ruin slump soften
WEAK
break down discourage dishearten dissuade hurt
VERB
encourage, hearten
Synonyms
STRONGEST
consolidate invigorate restore toughen uphold
STRONG
animate back bloom brace burgeon cheer embolden enliven flourish flower fortify gird harden inspirit nerve nourish prepare prosper rally ready refresh rejuvenate steel substantiate temper thrive
WEAK
back up bear out brace up carry weight enhearten gather resources give weight
Antonyms
STRONG
discourage dishearten dissuade fail kill languish let go lose neglect ruin shrink shrivel soften weaken
WEAK
break down hurt

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She added that the networking equipment maker has been engaging with vendors to strengthen supply agreements, but anticipates gross margin pressure ahead.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

CEO Mark Stewart says that pressure on demand, as well as input cost inflation from the war in Iran, “require that we continue to take meaningful actions to strengthen our cost structure.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

The State Department said it is using "commonsense tools to support American families and strengthen compliance" with US laws in an approach it said would enforce parents' "legal and moral obligations to their children".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Emerging markets tend to do better when the dollar is weak, and UBS strategists note the dollar’s recent inability to strengthen despite real interest rate differentials with Europe and better-than-expected economic growth.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The verb vulcanize means “to strengthen a material such as rubber by combining it with sulfur and then applying heat and pressure.”

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Vocabulary lists containing strengthen

President Obama's second inaugural address

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Spelling Practice, Unit 2

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