strengthened 1 of 2

strengthened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of strengthen
1
as in hardened
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force lifting weights every day will eventually strengthen your muscles the army makes new recruits run for miles in order to strengthen them

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in stiffened
to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe a bill was introduced to strengthen punishments for hate crimes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strengthened
Adjective
The foundations were welded and bolted to the strengthened deck, and the rotors themselves, fabricated with inner steel cores and composite shells, were then lifted by crane. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026 Arreola, who knew Jackson for more than 20 years, says his lasting legacy will live on in the young leaders shaped through Rainbow/PUSH and in the strengthened relationship between Latino and Black communities in Chicago. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
With tankers at a standstill and fuel prices climbing, the war strengthened a clean-power sales pitch. ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 While Liang’s ties with the government have strengthened, his tech bets appear to be a convergence with Beijing’s priorities rather than state-directed, Wang noted. Anniek Bao,elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Thanks to a blend of peptides, biotin, green tea extract, amino acids, and antioxidants, expect strengthened, conditioned brows over time. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026 Under her leadership, SMUD has expanded renewable energy resources, invested in large-scale battery storage and strengthened grid reliability. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Lucas said Lewis strengthened development and investments in Kansas City neighborhoods. Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 Airstrikes have weakened the regime militarily but strengthened its standing internally. Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 His football endurance might still be coming along; his football instincts might still be creeping back; his contact-balance is still a skill that needs to be strengthened after years of atrophy. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026 For decades, organizations strengthened physical security by improving fences, barriers, cameras, access control systems and cybersecurity. Bill Edwards, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthened
Adjective
  • Natural and lab-grown diamonds are sturdy enough to hold up to everyday wear, with gems like sapphire and moissanite right behind them.
    Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • These sturdy and reliable machines are great for both knocking out homework and streaming Netflix, with a big 24-inch FHD monitor that boasts good brightness and wide viewing angles.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of breaking him, Duncan said the brutal conditions hardened his resolve to keep fighting.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This is to help chocolate layer not stick to sides when later hardened.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Japan in recent years has fortified its southwestern region with longer range missiles and interceptors.
    Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • By the end of the day, Khālid had fortified the palace and was prepared to dig in and fight.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier in the week, Prokudin said that Russia has intensified attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which is about 70% under Russian control.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The legal challenge intensified an unusually public dispute over how AI can be used in warfare and mass surveillance.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Gus Mundt, a fourth-generation Montana rancher and dad to a 3-year-old girl, braced at the thought of selling his heifers at lower prices.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • As heavy rain and storms moved through the area Thursday, homeowners braced for impact once again.
    Ali Bauman, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The possible move, unthinkable for legacy studios but in keeping with exits by businesses in other sectors, has only stiffened opposition to the merger in some corners.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Dogs that have stiffened up with age get an advanced joint-support chew with glucosamine, MSM, and collagen.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • But her thickened skin, along with her toughened reputation, felt supple now.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Trump announced a toughened stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Monday, setting a 50-day deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire or face sanctions.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Bonnell appears to be treating software as another part of the motorcycle's suspension system and something that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences, skill, and terrain.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Colorado River also rose briefly just upstream from where Bright Angel Creek empties into the river, in response to the sudden influx of water, according to the river gauge on the geologic survey, but quickly adjusted.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthened. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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