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.

Stock futures rose Wednesday after delayed U.S. jobs data were stronger than expected, strengthening the Federal Reserve’s case that the labor market has been stabilizing.

From Barron's

"The government hopes that this collective embrace of Fugu will strengthen national unity, stimulate the creative economy, and serve as a powerful symbol of Ghana's cultural confidence and self-expression," the minister added.

From BBC

"So we are focusing many of the initiatives to strengthen our European business, but not exclusively so," he said.

From Barron's

"In strategic sectors, European preference is a necessary instrument... that will contribute to strengthen Europe's own production base," she said -- while cautioning against a "one-size-fits-all" approach.

From Barron's

Since 2021, actions have been introduced to help deaf patients, including strengthening awareness and accessibility arrangements to ensure patients' communication needs are better met, they added.

From BBC

strengthen

Example Sentences

Related Words