reinforcement

noun

ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs-mənt How to pronounce reinforcement (audio)
Definition of reinforcementnext
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else the consulting architect suggested using additional steel reinforcements to counteract the bridge's design flaw

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 reinforcement This is the vertical metal support needed as reinforcement against roof collapses during rollover. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 20 Aug. 2026 Research from the Penn State sociologist Daniel DellaPosta shows how this kind of social reinforcement can work. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 Transfer speculation continues, while City look to add further reinforcements. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 China has become Russia’s most important patron, providing dual-use technological and even lethal military support on the battlefield as well as critical financial, industrial, and diplomatic reinforcement. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reinforcement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reinforcement
  1. support
  2. brace
  3. pillar
  4. mounting
Noun
  • Wesseh said Liberia’s development needs may have influenced the government’s decision, with officials hoping the agreement would bring support from Washington.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Next, workers will install new cables, bolted into the five main branches, to stabilize the tree before removing the old supports.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Vinicius Jr started each of Brazil’s five matches at the World Cup and played a starring role in the group stage, lashing in an excellent goal against Morocco, scoring and assisting against Haiti, and adding a brace against Scotland.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Here, Varghese coordinates their physical therapy, builds their braces, fabricates their prostheses, and operates on their limbs, should things come to that.
    — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of brace
Noun
  • Game publishing is the other new pillar, and Yang is careful not to overstate DRX’s edge there this early.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The pins printed down to the smallest pillar, appearing like tiny hairs, which required a magnifying glass to verify.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of pillar
Noun
  • The weapon begins spinning violently, dragging the service member around before throwing him several yards from the mounting.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026
  • After that, there are further stages including preparation, conservation, and mounting.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of mounting

Browse Nearby Words

reinforced
reinforcement
reinforcements
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reinforcement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reinforcement. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reinforcement

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reinforcement

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