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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.

Wildcat Resources should be on the radar of investors as lithium tailwinds strengthen, says Euroz Hartleys.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 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

He argues that requiring identification would strengthen public trust in election results and align California with practices used in many other states.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The proposal to further strengthen the detection of mule accounts by limiting credits and enhancing due diligence , could also be effective, but will be resource-intensive and costly.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

The queen believed that kinship would strengthen their bond and ensure Mark Antony’s devotion to her cause.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby

Vocabulary lists containing strengthen

President Obama's second inaugural address

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Spelling Practice, Unit 2

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