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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.

As these weaken and stiffen over time it can affect walking, talking, eating and breathing.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 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

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

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

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

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

Every sound from my Fourth Aunt’s room made me stiffen with dread.

From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang

Vocabulary lists containing stiffen

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