stiffen

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 has also vowed to stiffen prison sentences and to impose a state of emergency in areas worst hit by crime.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Nonetheless, this is an important move that can help stiffen the spines at other schools.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

The summit in London was an attempt by the prime minister both to calm diplomatic brows and stiffen diplomatic sinews.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2025

Traditionally, the way to stiffen a polymer network is to add more crosslinks.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

Really, he just wanted to walk behind Finn and Emma so they couldn’t see his face and Chess wouldn’t have to stiffen it into a confident, cheerful, unconcerned mask.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix