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.

It also announced it would give the EA an extra £45m over the next three years to "strengthen enforcement activity".

From BBC

The yuan has been strengthening against the dollar in recent months, which could mean that China’s share of the global economy, denominated in dollars, may be set for a rebound this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Returning to the Champions League will solve many financial headaches for Villa and potentially allow them to spend and strengthen.

From BBC

Collaboration between the Education and Labor departments has strengthened career and technical education, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.

From The Wall Street Journal

What I’ve learned from them during this shared season of penitence has strengthened my conviction that non-Muslims need to learn about Islam and get beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions of both the left and right.

From The Wall Street Journal

strengthen

Example Sentences

Related Words