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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.

While the average person does not have the power of a federal judge, they do have the agency to make choices in their own daily lives that can weaken or strengthen civil society.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

This perspective aligns with growing global efforts to restore ecosystems, support Indigenous stewardship, and use technology to strengthen connections between people and nature.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

The report recommended a number of measures the data, space and aerospace sector could take to strengthen skills and recruitment in Cornwall.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

While proponents of these cases say that they support and strengthen marriage—serving as a deterrent for bad behavior—most states have scrapped them as relics of a distant past.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Vincent has been drawing, staying up late at night “to have some keepsakes and to strengthen thoughts that automatically spring to mind upon seeing the things.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

Vocabulary lists containing strengthen

President Obama's second inaugural address

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Spelling Practice, Unit 2

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