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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Verb
The first direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time, according to the report. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2025 Dubai Duty Free also strengthened its senior management team with eight senior managers appointed to key roles, including seven UAE nationals. Kevin Rozario, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Henry strengthened a strength, but where this offense has made its biggest strides is in the passing game. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 Experts warn the island will keep struggling to attract investors until the debt is restructured and the power grid strengthened. Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Experts warn that the island will continue to struggle to attract investors until the debt is restructured and the power grid is strengthened. Dánica Coto, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Jan. 2025 Having only strengthened its squad last summer, the Spanish champion certainly looks likely to achieve that feat. Neel Shelat, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 His command of coach Sean McVay’s offense has always been a valuable asset, including run checks, and Stafford has strengthened his connection with wideout Puka Nacua. Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 Advances in surveillance technology, deeper insights into the drivers of disease spread, and strengthened global collaborations are helping scientists and public health authorities to better anticipate and mitigate risks. John Drake, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthened
Adjective
  • It’s entirely made of cotton that has been coated with polyvinyl to create a sturdy material with the look of pebbled leather, which is as water-resistant and stain-repellent as hide.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Get to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • European colonial rule hardened the distinction.
    Emmet Livingstone, The Dial, 20 Mar. 2025
  • March 27 is an opportunity to dissolve barriers between the heart and the soul, and to soften the edges where hurt has hardened us.
    Colin Bedell, Them, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What hope had been fortified in the first half Wednesday had faded by the second.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • It is often fortified with iodine, a trace element necessary for thyroid health.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The stock market endured its worst day of the year this week and fears of a recession have intensified.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The debate intensified as the bill included cuts to non-defense spending while increasing defense spending by $6 billion.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At exactly noon on New Year’s Day, about 20 people braced their feet against the silty shore of Lake Natoma, hopping and fidgeting to warm themselves.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on Monday as the government braced for reprisal shootings after an attempt on a gang leader’s life, officials said.
    Reuters, NBC News, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The asset limit under the bill would be automatically adjusted for inflation on a biennial basis.
    Josh Snyder, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The stand also serves as a lens cover during transport, and the unit will automatically power on when the stand is adjusted for viewing.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Deep divisions The angry scenes on Thursday highlighted divisions that have deepened since Netanyahu returned to power as head of a right-wing coalition at the end of 2022.
    Reuters, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • As the recession deepened and unemployment shot higher, the interest and the penalties on Natale’s loans compounded much faster than her ability to move up the ladder to higher paying jobs.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • On the other side, the Grizzlies had an even tougher time with Curry, who finished with 52 points on 16-of-31 shooting.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthened. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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