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.

His CV may lack a Rugby World Cup, but it continues to strengthen the debate that he is rugby's GOAT.

From BBC

The reduced likelihood of multiple Fed rate cuts by December has strengthened the dollar, which moves in correlation to the path of U.S. interest rates relative to the rest of the world.

From MarketWatch

“The Department of Commerce is committed to driving unprecedented exports and worldwide distribution of the U.S. AI tech stack to strengthen America’s leadership in AI,” an agency spokesman said.

From The Wall Street Journal

It said this will strengthen the energy supply, and better shield customers from volatile energy prices.

From BBC

The military said operations had targeted "key Hezbollah strongholds" in recent days with the aim of strengthening the defence of Israeli border communities.

From BBC

strengthen

Example Sentences

Related Words