as in to harden
to make stronger (as through hardship)
She was annealed by the tragedies of her childhood.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 anneal
Engineers sparingly tried annealing hardware space, so Juno's experience could be instructive for future missions.
—
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Some annealing quantum-type computers are already commercialized.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
They’re served in a heap in a bowl, the logs of potato annealed, shiny and splotched with balsamic vinegar.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Workable quantum solutions that make use of annealing systems are now in use.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
In this instance, after annealing, nanoplastic molecules are physically bound together with the molecules of tetracycline.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2024
Quantum annealing: This term is borrowed from annealing, a process that uses heat to alter the physical or chemical properties of a metal, glass, or plastic film to increase ductility and reduce hardness.
—Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
After annealing, the links are strong covalent bonds [below].
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2024
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Some annealing quantum-type computers are already commercialized.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
They’re served in a heap in a bowl, the logs of potato annealed, shiny and splotched with balsamic vinegar.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Workable quantum solutions that make use of annealing systems are now in use.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
In this instance, after annealing, nanoplastic molecules are physically bound together with the molecules of tetracycline.
—Joe Salas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2024
Quantum annealing: This term is borrowed from annealing, a process that uses heat to alter the physical or chemical properties of a metal, glass, or plastic film to increase ductility and reduce hardness.
—Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
After annealing, the links are strong covalent bonds [below].
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anneal
Verb
-
Fertilization and pruning encourage new growth, which does not have time to harden off before cold temperatures set in.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The finale opens in the stillness that follows, grief hardening into vengeance.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
By the next day, Melissa had strengthened into a Category 5 storm.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Reebok added that the new regional HQ is designed to accelerate retail expansion, strengthen performance and women’s categories, and deepen the brand’s cultural footprint while supporting its longstanding network of regional partners, retailers, and consumers.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Today, scientists are still studying its properties, and the high priests of the antisugar brigade are still condemning it, while its romantic and even erotic reputation remains well fortified by Valentine’s Day.—
Aleksandra Crapanzano,
The Atlantic,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the All’s Fair actress and soon-to-be-attorney has been quietly fortifying her Hidden Hills compound.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In surveys, more than half of companies expect to raise deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, or otherwise redesign plans to temper the trend.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Then in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals, BYU went to the zone to try to temper a sizzling Iowa State squad.—
Jim Root,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
These past two days have reinforced for me the importance of codifying principles and creating a road map to achieve them.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
-
As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anneal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anneal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share