reinforce

[ree-in-fawrs, -fohrs] / ˌri ɪnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /

VERB

strengthen, augment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

add to bolster boost build up buttress emphasize enlarge fortify increase shore up stress support underline

STRONG

carry energize harden hype multiply prop stiffen stroke supplement sustain toughen

WEAK

add fuel to fire back up beef up heat up lend a hand pick up pillar prop up punch up soup up stand up for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decrease diminish discourage hinder hurt lessen let down play down prevent reduce undermine weaken

STRONG

liquefy melt soften

WEAK

subtract take away

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.

Scientists still do not fully understand why left-handedness has persisted throughout human evolution or how human culture may have helped reinforce right-handedness over time.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

This time last year there was genuine debate about Bruno Fernandes and whether United would be better served accepting a huge offer from Al-Hilal and using the money to reinforce their squad.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Long View The crisis will reinforce, not upend, Beijing’s energy strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

Tying rewards to performance metrics through the new bonus program could reinforce that goal.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

I think they’d rather chat with an inmate and reinforce his connection to the outside world than dodge missiles of shit and piss.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Vocabulary lists containing reinforce

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 2

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The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!