strengthening 1 of 3

Definition of strengtheningnext

strengthening

2 of 3

noun

strengthening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of strengthen
1
as in hardening
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in stiffening
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 strengthening
Noun
The initiative will also support developing countries through outreach such as training, advisory services and institutional strengthening. Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026 Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 In the immediate term, the strengthening of the Haiti National Police is underway. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 The benefits include more calories burned, greater muscle strengthening, and improved endurance. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 What followed was not just the growth of an industry, but the strengthening of tribal self-determination. Cody J Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Indeed, both companies aim to continue the exploration of new synergies that contribute to the growth and strengthening of their editorial and audiovisual strategies. Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026 That kind of last-minute strengthening has become an increasing concern for local emergency managers along the Texas coast. Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 Of course, the Elixir Ultime Oil, with its shine-enhancing, strengthening, and softening properties, would be one of Moore’s go-tos. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
Microsoft committed $10 billion in 2023, strengthening OpenAI’s commercial expansion. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026 That includes supporting fuel supply and infrastructure, developing pilot and demonstration projects, strengthening port-to-port data connectivity, and promoting interoperability, cybersecurity and common standards. Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026 By reducing fragmentation and strengthening shared understanding, teams may gain a clearer view of how value is created and where effort is directed across the organization. Matt Emma, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 The nonprofit, which opposes government use of facial recognition data, has advocated for strengthening laws to protect consumers when the technology is used by private businesses. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Although United want to add two midfielders, doing both at a price point in the £70m-plus region — echoing their three big signings last summer — might be beyond their finances this time round, given the further squad strengthening required. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Organized by the Malta Film Commission, the festival is set to grow in both scale and ambition this year, with an enlarged program of screenings, industry events and cultural offerings aimed at strengthening Malta’s role as an international filmmaking hub. Kennedy French, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 Copper peptides are especially helpful for strengthening and repairing thinner, more fragile skin in this area. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026 Attention then turns to Thursday, when a cold front tied to a strengthening low-pressure system to the north approaches from the west. Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strengthening
Noun
  • As a result, the mid-nineteenth century witnessed a dramatic increase in the creation of posts, including among tribes that had not typically made them before.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • The longer the increases persist, the greater the risk that higher gas prices will translate into higher costs for other goods that rely on fuel for transportation.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • When conditions are right for hardening off and planting your seedlings, continue to monitor weather conditions.
    Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In fire-prone areas, Cal Fire and local fire departments already enforce defensible space rules, and building codes require home hardening like covering vents with mesh to prevent embers from entering the house.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Think of calcium as fortifying fertilizer for your bones.
    Holly Carter, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The serum is formulated with a holy grail powerhouse that consists of a fortifying complex, firming complex, and Matrixyl 3000—all pivotal for minimizing signs of aging.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These spillover effects are deepening an arc of instability stretching from Europe to the Middle East, from Africa to Asia.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While announcing Jacobson’s hiring, Stagwell said her responsibilities will include expanding ReachTV’s footprint and deepening its content partnerships.
    Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season nears, many Floridians are bracing for the storm, and that includes buying a hurricane preparedness kit, getting the hurricane shutters out of the garage, and/or devising what to do with your car.
    Jennifer Sangalang, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Companies, however, appear to be bracing for the ripple effects of the disruptions; at least 21 firms have withdrawn or reduced financial ​guidance since the war began, and 32 have signaled price hikes, Reuters reported.
    Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.
    Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade, told us.
    Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cayenne owners will be able to track charging via their My Porsche app and are able to create pre-conditioning settings to meet their individual needs.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Dyson also claims that the Omega nourishing collection delivers up to 94 percent stronger hair, compared to using non-conditioning shampoo on straight hair.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • The ballroom includes a military bunker as part of its national security enhancements, and has been under construction for months, but faces legal hurdles.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Before the enhancements, only about 50 acres of the island had been developed.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strengthening. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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