STIFFENING Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

stiffening

verb

present participle of stiffen

as in strengthening

to make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe plans to further stiffen the already onerous requirements for admission to the elite military unit

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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 stiffening Proposition 132 attempts to address these concerns by stiffening legal penalties. — Joshua Barocas, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 But one of the positives Glenn highlighted was the defense stiffening in the red zone against Chicago, which went 2 of 7 inside the New York 20-yard line. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and the like will help keep your robe soft and absorbent as these formulas could break down the fabric, leave behind fabric-stiffening residue, or cause pilling and other concerns. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Not to mention their unusually flexible blood vessels could also help compensate for stiffening heart tissue. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Even simple movements can encourage healthy blood flow and keep fascia from stiffening up. — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 27 July 2026 Volkswagen’s premium Audi brand has lost much of its luster in recent years, dragged down by trade tariffs, stiffening competition and a patchy electric-vehicle roster. — William Wilkes, Bloomberg, 8 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffening

strengthening

Verb

The Bills are also coming off a Monday night overtime game, strengthening the home underdog’s case.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Florida is living proof that protecting the preborn and strengthening families is both possible and popular.

— Kimberly Bird, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of strengthening

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stiffened

stiffening

stiffens

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“Stiffening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffening. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stiffening

verb

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