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Showing results for strengthen.
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.

“I know he will provide strong leadership as he works with President Donald J. Trump to strengthen our nation’s security,” she wrote in a March Facebook post.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Its exit from the telecom venture comes as it moves to cut debt and strengthen its balance sheet.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

He continued: "If we can strengthen the case thereafter, we can do so - but it's important that the Jewish community sees and has confidence we will take action."

From BBC • May 5, 2026

If the Y chromosome from these remains matches that of living descendants, it would strengthen historical records and family lineage reconstructions.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

This move would strengthen his role as a political leader in New York and in the Senate, while weakening Garfield's power.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary lists containing strengthen

President Obama's second inaugural address

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Spelling Practice, Unit 2

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