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.

“New credit-score options reinforce competition and innovation,” the statement said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

And they must reinforce vaccination infrastructure, surveillance systems and rapid-response capabilities.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

A range of policy levers could help stabilize a labor market under mounting strain, particularly those that reinforce a meaningful wage floor and limit further downward pressure on earnings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Ongoing research continues to reinforce the idea that human activity is now one of the dominant forces shaping Earth's systems, from climate patterns to biodiversity.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

The fact he’d navigated his unusual upbringing so successfully seemed only to reinforce the idea that he was ready to take on more.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

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

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