- present participle of stiffen.
stiffening
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.
Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by irreversible scarring and stiffening of lung tissue.
From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026
It’s hard to imagine a greater accomplishment than to achieve peace while stiffening the sinews of deterrence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 1, 2026
"Our observations are consistent across multiple length scales and link connective tissue stiffening to altered biochemical signaling in cancer cells."
From Science Daily ● Jan. 24, 2026
“Here, now!” cried Teece, stiffening up, tall, tall.
From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury
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