Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for stiffen. Search instead for steinofen.
Definitions

stiffen

[stif-uhn] / ˈstɪf ən /
VERB
make or become harder
Synonyms
STRONGEST
reinforce solidify stabilize strengthen
STRONG
anneal benumb brace cake candy cement chill clot coagulate condense congeal crystallize curdle firm fix freeze gel harden inflate inspissate jell jelly ossify petrify precipitate prop set starch steady tauten tense thicken
Antonyms
STRONGEST
weaken
STRONG
dilute dissolve heat liquefy melt separate soften thin unfix
WEAK
loosen

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.

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

Nonetheless, this is an important move that can help stiffen the spines at other schools.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

The summit in London was an attempt by the prime minister both to calm diplomatic brows and stiffen diplomatic sinews.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2025

Traditionally, the way to stiffen a polymer network is to add more crosslinks.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

At the entrance to the Grand Gallery, two night warders stiffen.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

Vocabulary lists containing stiffen

Mid-Air

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!