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.

Jakarta said the partnership was an "opportunity to reinforce national defense capacity," but insisted that "free and active foreign policy, national interests, and full respect for state sovereignty" would be maintained.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

This phenolic acid is known to help reinforce plant cell walls.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Troops had also been deployed to hunt the insurgents and reinforce security.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Bird designed tools to help the kids budget, and holds weekly money meetings to check in and reinforce the ideas she hopes her children, now 11, 9 and 8 years old, will internalize.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

I reinforce with my other hand so I don’t drop it.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

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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