Entry Word: firm

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 not showing weakness or uncertainty <a friendly fellow with a ready smile and a firm handshake>

Synonyms forceful, hearty, iron, lusty, robust, solid, stout, strong, sturdy, vigorous

Related Words mighty, powerful, tough, unyielding; animated, energetic, lively, spirited; certain, confident, sanguine, sure

Near Antonyms feeble, fragile, frail; limp, listless, spiritless

Antonyms uncertain, weak

2 having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure <cold butter that was too firm to spread>

Synonyms compact, hard, rigid, solid, stiff, unyielding

Related Words case-hardened, compacted, compressed, hardened, indurated, stiffened, tempered; close, dense, heavy, thick, thickset; inelastic, inflexible, ramrod, unbending; compressed, condensed; sturdy, substantial; impenetrable, impermeable, nonporous

Near Antonyms loose, scattered, thin; bendable, elastic, flexible, malleable, pliable; flaccid, floppy, limp, slack; airy, light; permeable, porous

Antonyms flabby, soft, spongy, squashy, squishy

3 firmly positioned in place and difficult to dislodge <was firm in the saddle during the canter> — see tight 2
4 fully committed to achieving a goal <asked him to reconsider, but he was firm in his commitment to the project> — see determined 1
5 having been established and usually not subject to change <the selling price of the house is firm, so thereʼll be no dickering> — see fixed 1
6 marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion <built on a firm foundation, so the house hasnʼt settled> — see stable 1