strengthen
verb (used with object)
to make stronger; give strength to.
were strengthening
-
past progressiveof strengthen.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Earlier Thursday Zelensky said of Ukraine's latest attacks that they were "strengthening the prospects for diplomacy".
From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026
At the same time, El Niño conditions in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific were strengthening during late spring 2026, a pattern that can increase the likelihood of heavy rainfall across the U.S.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2026
“They let us know that they were strengthening the power lines and the distribution lines for when the Category 3, 4, 5 hurricanes come.”
From New York Times ● May 31, 2022
Both told the BBC they were strengthening existing services.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2021
So I took ’em off the foundations, which we were strengthening, and went into the Bell Tavern for a cup of ale.
From Puck of Pook’s Hill by Arthur Rackham
