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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.

The bank is investing $1.5 billion in wealth and digital offerings, client centers, and marketing to strengthen its business.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 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 organization is working to strengthen the scientific evidence, increase awareness among doctors and rare disease groups, and support systems that ensure patients are properly identified and treated as research continues.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

They can require compact and contiguous districts under state law, reduce unnecessary splitting of counties and neighborhoods, strengthen protections for local communities, and establish independent or bipartisan redistricting commissions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

She’ll have to make sure to add some crunches and leg lifts to strengthen her abdominals and her glutes.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Vocabulary lists containing strengthen

President Obama's second inaugural address

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Spelling Practice, Unit 2

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