1
a
: securely or solidly fixed in place
his teeth were firm
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
a firm handshake
c
: having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
firm apples
2
a(1)
: not subject to change or revision
a firm offer
a firm date
(2)
: not subject to price weakness : steady
firm commodities
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer in democracy
c
: well-founded
firm evidence of criminal activity
3
: indicating firmness or resolution
a firm mouth
a firm voice
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly
firmed; firming; firms
1
a
: to make secure or fast : tighten
firming her grip on the racquet
—often used with up
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to put into final form : settle
firm a contract
firm up plans
3
: to give additional support to : strengthen
—usually used with up
1
: the name or title under which a company transacts business
2
: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3
: a business unit or enterprise
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Adjective
She has a firm grasp of the basic principles.
They insist on maintaining firm control over the project.
He spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.
The time has come for us to take a firm stand.
The children need gentle but firm handling.
Noun
merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Harper's BAZAAR, 29 May 2023
The contemporary extension was conceived by architect Shohei Shigematsu of the firm OMA New York, who also directed the building’s structural design.
—Jill Newman, ELLE Decor, 29 May 2023
And Turkey, as a NATO member, have taken quite a firm line against Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 29 May 2023
The laws have been fueled by conservative backlash as Pride parades and festivals have proliferated across the country and drag has found a firm foothold in the mainstream media.
—Emily Cochrane, New York Times, 28 May 2023
The reconstruction costs from the 2022 Coastal Fire in Southern California were estimated to be $530 million, and only 20 homes were destroyed, according to a report by property solutions firm CoreLogic.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 May 2023
Analysts believe that by staging the mass rally, Vucic who has ruled the country for more than a decade with a firm grip on power, is trying to overshadow the opposition protests with the sheer number of participants.
—Dusan Stojanovic, BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2023
According to data from analytics firm Numerator, the average Target shoppers are white suburban mothers between 35 and 44 years old, with annual incomes around $80,000.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2023
Looking at early ballot returns, consulting firm Political Data Intelligence found that older voters overperformed; residents over 65 represented nearly half of early votes cast, despite making up less than a third of the Beverly Hills electorate.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2023
Reuters, NBC News, 29 Sep. 2022
The mandatory disclosure of more firm-specific information has also improved capital allocation across various industries.
—Diane Hoskins, Fortune, 26 May 2022
For more firm-looking and radiant skin, this professional-grade pair is tops.
—Megan Mcintyre, Town & Country, 21 Sep. 2021
In addition to the CIO, oversight from a sustainability committee that ensures a firm-wide holistic approach and quality control is helpful.
—Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2021
After graduating from Yale University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture (later converted to a master’s degree according to Jack Jr.,) Bialosky Sr. founded the firm now known as Bialosky Cleveland.
—Steven Litt, cleveland, 17 Apr. 2020
Another prominent original occupant — the trust company occupied about half the building — was the Los Angeles law firm now known as O’Melveny & Myers.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2019
Two law firms, Marchena and Graham and the former Broad & Cassel law firm now known as Nelson Mullins received the bulk of the payments.
—Beth Kassab, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Sep. 2019
Morse is one of Michigan's most visible attorneys with TV spots and billboard ads that call his personal injury law firm the largest in the state.
—Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 3 July 2019
Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 27 Feb. 2023
The base of the mask is made of Mediterranean rose clay, which is known for reducing the appearance of pores and even puffiness, and if used over time can help lift and firm the skin, while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
—Olivia Hanson, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023
Upgrade your skin routine with this deal on NuFace's culty Trinity Facial Toning Device that uses microcurrent technology to lift and firm your facial contours while minimizing fine lines.
—Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Oct. 2022
Robins is an active angel investor, backing ventures such as digital lottery company Jackpot.com, collectibles firm WAX Insurance, fintech company Grow Credit, and intelligence and market research company Sports Innovation Lab.
—Jason Robins, Boston Globe, 11 May 2023
While a day has not been firmed up, sources close to the investigation told ABC News that Tuesday is the day being discussed by Trump's legal team and the Manhattan DA's office.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2023
The film had taken on several iterations over the years — Justin Timberlake was slated to play Neil and co-produce for a period in the early 2010s — but as the film’s casting and shoot dates firmed up late in 2018, Tim had a dark night of the soul about the lead.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 22 Mar. 2023
Jane McAlevey, a prominent organizer and an author who had been advising the group, led two intensive training sessions to help firm up support among JFK8 workers and pressure the company to negotiate.
—Noam Scheiber, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023
Treasury yields rose Tuesday as investors' expectations of another Federal Reserve interest-rate increase firmed up ahead of the conclusion of the central bank's policy meeting tomorrow.
—Matt Grossman, WSJ, 21 Mar. 2023
Javier E. Piñero, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2023
The company’s financial report for the year ending in March forecast a $1.6 billion (1.5 billion euros) decline in free cash flow for this year, and the job cuts are the biggest in the firm’s history, according to Reuters.
—Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 16 May 2023
Big deal In the asset management sector worldwide this year, through May 2, private equity and venture capital firms announced $5 billion of investments across 43 transactions, S&P Global Market Intelligence finds.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 16 May 2023
Private investment firm Corsair Capital is betting that a new terminal at New York’s LaGuardia Airport can serve as a model for public-private partnerships aimed at rebuilding U.S. infrastructure.
—Luis Garcia, WSJ, 15 May 2023
Global firms have been rattled by raids on international consultancies.
—Laura He, CNN, 15 May 2023
Those firms have diverted waterways to mine riverbeds, researchers say, damaging the environment and angering local populations.
—Elian Peltier, New York Times, 15 May 2023
Gibson said the firm was amazed by CoCounsel’s capabilities.
—Clara Niel, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2023
The firm has built more than 25 million square feet of warehouses and has another 18 million square feet in the development pipeline.
—Steve Brown, Dallas News, 12 May 2023
See More
Adjective
Larissa is those things too, but with a firm grasp on the kinds of machinations necessary to maintain the version of herself that captivates audiences the world over and is plastered on posters and billboards.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 29 May 2023
The contemporary extension was conceived by architect Shohei Shigematsu of the firm OMA New York, who also directed the building’s structural design.
—Jill Newman, ELLE Decor, 29 May 2023
And Turkey, as a NATO member, have taken quite a firm line against Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 29 May 2023
The laws have been fueled by conservative backlash as Pride parades and festivals have proliferated across the country and drag has found a firm foothold in the mainstream media.
—Emily Cochrane, New York Times, 28 May 2023
The reconstruction costs from the 2022 Coastal Fire in Southern California were estimated to be $530 million, and only 20 homes were destroyed, according to a report by property solutions firm CoreLogic.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 May 2023
Analysts believe that by staging the mass rally, Vucic who has ruled the country for more than a decade with a firm grip on power, is trying to overshadow the opposition protests with the sheer number of participants.
—Dusan Stojanovic, BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2023
According to data from analytics firm Numerator, the average Target shoppers are white suburban mothers between 35 and 44 years old, with annual incomes around $80,000.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2023
Looking at early ballot returns, consulting firm Political Data Intelligence found that older voters overperformed; residents over 65 represented nearly half of early votes cast, despite making up less than a third of the Beverly Hills electorate.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2023
Adverb
The Fed plans to publish aggregate findings from the exercise but no firm-specific information.
—Reuters, NBC News, 29 Sep. 2022
The mandatory disclosure of more firm-specific information has also improved capital allocation across various industries.
—Diane Hoskins, Fortune, 26 May 2022
For more firm-looking and radiant skin, this professional-grade pair is tops.
—Megan Mcintyre, Town & Country, 21 Sep. 2021
In addition to the CIO, oversight from a sustainability committee that ensures a firm-wide holistic approach and quality control is helpful.
—Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2021
After graduating from Yale University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture (later converted to a master’s degree according to Jack Jr.,) Bialosky Sr. founded the firm now known as Bialosky Cleveland.
—Steven Litt, cleveland, 17 Apr. 2020
Another prominent original occupant — the trust company occupied about half the building — was the Los Angeles law firm now known as O’Melveny & Myers.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2019
Two law firms, Marchena and Graham and the former Broad & Cassel law firm now known as Nelson Mullins received the bulk of the payments.
—Beth Kassab, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Sep. 2019
Morse is one of Michigan's most visible attorneys with TV spots and billboard ads that call his personal injury law firm the largest in the state.
—Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 3 July 2019
Verb
With the help of five precious Korean herbs, the lightweight elixir smooths and hydrates the driest of skin while firming and inducing a gorgeous radiance.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 27 Feb. 2023
The base of the mask is made of Mediterranean rose clay, which is known for reducing the appearance of pores and even puffiness, and if used over time can help lift and firm the skin, while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
—Olivia Hanson, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023
Upgrade your skin routine with this deal on NuFace's culty Trinity Facial Toning Device that uses microcurrent technology to lift and firm your facial contours while minimizing fine lines.
—Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Oct. 2022
Robins is an active angel investor, backing ventures such as digital lottery company Jackpot.com, collectibles firm WAX Insurance, fintech company Grow Credit, and intelligence and market research company Sports Innovation Lab.
—Jason Robins, Boston Globe, 11 May 2023
While a day has not been firmed up, sources close to the investigation told ABC News that Tuesday is the day being discussed by Trump's legal team and the Manhattan DA's office.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2023
The film had taken on several iterations over the years — Justin Timberlake was slated to play Neil and co-produce for a period in the early 2010s — but as the film’s casting and shoot dates firmed up late in 2018, Tim had a dark night of the soul about the lead.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 22 Mar. 2023
Jane McAlevey, a prominent organizer and an author who had been advising the group, led two intensive training sessions to help firm up support among JFK8 workers and pressure the company to negotiate.
—Noam Scheiber, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023
Treasury yields rose Tuesday as investors' expectations of another Federal Reserve interest-rate increase firmed up ahead of the conclusion of the central bank's policy meeting tomorrow.
—Matt Grossman, WSJ, 21 Mar. 2023
Noun
Their firm, Jíbaro Furniture, makes use of hardwoods and cattail.
—Javier E. Piñero, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2023
The company’s financial report for the year ending in March forecast a $1.6 billion (1.5 billion euros) decline in free cash flow for this year, and the job cuts are the biggest in the firm’s history, according to Reuters.
—Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 16 May 2023
Big deal In the asset management sector worldwide this year, through May 2, private equity and venture capital firms announced $5 billion of investments across 43 transactions, S&P Global Market Intelligence finds.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 16 May 2023
Private investment firm Corsair Capital is betting that a new terminal at New York’s LaGuardia Airport can serve as a model for public-private partnerships aimed at rebuilding U.S. infrastructure.
—Luis Garcia, WSJ, 15 May 2023
Global firms have been rattled by raids on international consultancies.
—Laura He, CNN, 15 May 2023
Those firms have diverted waterways to mine riverbeds, researchers say, damaging the environment and angering local populations.
—Elian Peltier, New York Times, 15 May 2023
Gibson said the firm was amazed by CoCounsel’s capabilities.
—Clara Niel, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2023
The firm has built more than 25 million square feet of warehouses and has another 18 million square feet in the development pipeline.
—Steve Brown, Dallas News, 12 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective, Adverb, and Verb
Middle English ferm, from Anglo-French, from Latin firmus; akin to Greek thronos chair, throne
Noun
German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm, from firmus
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Noun
1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of firm was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing firm
Dictionary Entries Near firm
Cite this Entry
“Firm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firm. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
firm
1 of 4 adjective1
a
: solidly fixed in place
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
c
: having a solid or compact texture
2
a
: not likely to be changed
a firm offer
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer
3
: indicating firmness or determination
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
firm
2 of 4 adverb
: in a firm manner
stood firm
firm
3 of 4 verb1
a
: to make secure
firm your grip on the racket
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to become firm
firm
4 of 4 noun
: a business organization
law firm
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English ferm "firm, secure," from early French ferm (same meaning), from Latin firmus "firm, secure, solid"
Noun
from German firma "the name or sign under which a company does business," from Italian firma "signature," derived from Latin firmare "to make firm, to approve, to sign," from firmus "firm, secure"
Legal Definition
firm
noun1
: the name or title under which a company transacts business
2
: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3
: a business unit or enterprise
Etymology
Noun
German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm
More from Merriam-Webster on firm
Nglish: Translation of firm for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of firm for Arabic Speakers
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