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Showing results for strengthen.
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 yen was barely moved against the dollar Friday, though observers see it strengthening as the Fed cuts rates at the same time the BoJ lifts them.

From Barron's

She contends that new evidence strengthens those allegations.

From Salon

Outside the military realm, the countries have strengthened economic and technological ties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Netanyahu on Wednesday hailed the agreement with Chevron and its Israeli partners as the largest gas deal in Israel’s history, saying it would strengthen the country’s economy and status as a regional energy powerhouse.

From The Wall Street Journal

Film gave me my friends, strengthened my family and made me understand romance long before I ever knew it myself.

From Salon

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.