strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

ˈstren(t)-

strengthened; strengthening

ˈstreŋ(k)th-niŋ,

ˈstren(t)th-;

ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈstren(t)-

transitive verb

: to make stronger

intransitive verb

: to become stronger

strengthener

ˈstreŋ(k)th-nər

ˈstren(t)th-;

ˈstreŋ(k)-thə- 

ˈstren(t)-

noun

Synonyms

• beef (up)
• fortify
• harden
• toughen

Examples of strengthen in a Sentence

These exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles.

He takes herbs to strengthen his immune system.

The development of new electronic products has strengthened the company's position as the leader in digital technology.

Holidays often serve to strengthen bonds between family members.

Their financial situation strengthened her determination to find a new career.

The team has been strengthened by the addition of several new players.

The winds are expected to strengthen.

The economy is slowly strengthening.

The Canadian dollar is strengthening against the U.S. dollar.

The trade restrictions will strengthen the pound.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its unique multipurpose formula helps take care of your hands on all fronts: from the ceramide-rich complex that strengthens your skin's barrier to antioxidants like purslane and vitamin E that protect the hands from free radicals. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025

Here in Florida, USAID has partnered with Florida International University (FIU) to support critical research in disaster resilience, human rights and justice reform — work that strengthens our economy and our national security. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025

Further, Middleby has strengthened its leadership team with key board appointments. —Joe Cornell, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

The New Zealand dollar strengthened to trade at 0.565 against the greenback. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for strengthen

• lengthen

Kids Definition

strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become stronger

strengthener

-(ə-)nər 

noun