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.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that young people should stiffen their spines and embrace hardship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

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

Calling the eradication of extortion “one of the great challenges” facing Mexico, Sheinbaum pledged to bolster enforcement, stiffen penalties and increase safeguards for anyone receiving threats.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

"This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington DC safe and beautiful," the Pentagon chief said.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

Part of me feels like leaning into her embrace, but there’s a part of me that’s angry, too, so I stiffen at her touch.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed