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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.

They also demonstrated key biological learning behaviors, including spike-timing dependent plasticity: the process that allows neurons to strengthen or weaken their connections based on timing.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

While the war will strengthen Beijing's ongoing push towards self-reliance, China is not really winning in this scenario, says Yu Jie from London-based think tank Chatham House.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

AT&T has been spending up as it looks to strengthen both its wireless and internet networks, and those investments are driving subscriber gains.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

TOKYO—Japan eased longstanding restrictions on arms exports, another small step away from its pacifist past that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hopes will strengthen Tokyo’s ties with the U.S.,

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

We tracked down her sisters and arranged a visit where Trina could see her son, and it seemed to strengthen her in ways I wouldn't have thought possible.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Vocabulary lists containing strengthen

President Obama's second inaugural address

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Spelling Practice, Unit 2

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