Strengthen
What it means
To make stronger, more effective, or more resilient.
Reach for it when describing action that increases power, resilience, effectiveness, or trust
Regular maintenance will strengthen the bridge.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when capacity develops gradually through repeated effort
Careful Build can mean creating from nothing rather than making an existing thing stronger.
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everyday
Fits when broad positive change matters more than greater power
Careful An improvement can make something simpler or cheaper without strengthening it.
-
warm
deepen
Fits when a relationship, understanding, or commitment gains substance
Careful Physical structures and operational systems are not usually deepened.
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professional
Fits when extra evidence, resources, or support adds confidence
Careful Bolster suggests an external addition rather than internal development.
-
professional
Fits when added support helps something resist pressure or failure
Careful Reinforce usually supplements an existing structure rather than improving every kind of capacity.
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formal
consolidate
Fits when gains or separate parts are secured into a firmer whole
Careful It may reduce variety, while strengthening can preserve multiple parts.
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formal
Fits when protection against attack, stress, or depletion is central
Careful Routine skill development does not need fortify's defensive character.
Opposites 3
- weaken
- undermine
- erode
Common phrases 3
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strengthen ties
Shared training helped strengthen ties between the two rescue teams.
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strengthen the case
The additional measurements strengthen the case for replacing the pipe.
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strengthen capacity
Mentoring will strengthen capacity across the regional clinics.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Simplificationalizer, New Jersey accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated