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.

SoftBank said the buy will strengthen its ability to build, scale and finance the foundational infrastructure needed for next-generation AI services and applications, advancing its mission to become a leading artificial super intelligence provider.

From The Wall Street Journal

Reducing import dependence would strengthen supply security for industries tied to energy, technology, and defense.

From Science Daily

Administration officials say they are trying to strengthen the West and put a wayward Europe back on track.

From The Wall Street Journal

This comprehensive approach not only provides new insight into Greenland's geological past but also strengthens scientists' ability to model how the ice sheet may change in the future.

From Science Daily

Several influential economists have recently argued that a meaningful strengthening of the yuan would turbocharge consumption and get China out of its economic doldrums.

From The Wall Street Journal

strengthen

Example Sentences

Related Words