Reinforce
What it means
To make something stronger or more likely to continue.
Reach for it when adding support to a structure, behavior, message, or relationship
Cross-bracing reinforced the roof against winter winds.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
confirm
Fits when new evidence supports a conclusion
Careful Confirmation does not strengthen an object.
-
everyday
Fits when greater capacity is the broad result
Careful Strengthening may use no added support.
-
warm
Fits when help sustains a person or idea
Careful Support may not increase strength.
-
professional
brace
Fits when a structure gets physical stabilization
Careful Bracing is one method only.
-
formal
Fits when defense against pressure is improved
Careful Fortify suggests threat.
-
literary
Fits when confidence or evidence receives extra backing
Careful Bolster is usually figurative.
Opposites 3
- weaken
- undermine
- erode
Common phrases 3
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reinforce a structure
Engineers reinforced the structure with steel ties.
-
reinforce learning
Short practice sessions reinforce learning.
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positively reinforce
Coaches positively reinforce careful technique.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, California accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated