Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Being short USD/JPY means investors are betting that the dollar will fall in value against the yen, or that the yen will strengthen against the greenback.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

Becerra also wants to strengthen tenant eviction protections and limit investor purchases of homes to make sure “growth doesn’t push people out.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Standard Chartered is investing $1.5 billion in wealth and digital offerings, client centers and marketing to strengthen its business of serving affluent and international clients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

The benefits could help improve average revenue per user and strengthen its market position, it says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

But I am telling you—you who know so much about interrogating people and observing the hidden meaning of their hearts—I am telling you; I think she might have looked away to strengthen herself.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

Vocabulary lists containing strengthen

President Obama's second inaugural address

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Spelling Practice, Unit 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!