GRE Words for Strengthen and Support
These 11 GRE words all share the meaning of strengthen and support. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.
Why this cluster matters
On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.
The 11 words
To support or strengthen; to prop up
To provide support or reinforcement for something
To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding
To give vitality, enthusiasm, or energy to; to invigorate
To strengthen or secure a place with defensive works; to strengthen or invigorate
To shock or excite someone into taking action
To give strength or energy to
To strengthen or support, especially with additional material or resources
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something
To support or strengthen from below
To clear someone of blame or suspicion; to show or prove to be right
Keep going
Master every word for Strengthen and Support
Learn 1,000+ GRE words through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.