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 leads the muscles to weaken and stiffen over time and ultimately impacts how you walk, talk, eat and breathe.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

Struts and diagonal rods ran between the two wheels to stiffen the assembly and give it the strength of a railroad bridge.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson