firm

adjective

\ˈfərm

Definition of firm

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : 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

2a(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

firm

adverb

Definition of firm (Entry 2 of 4)

: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly

firm

verb

firmed; firming; firms

Definition of firm (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : 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

intransitive verb

1 : to become firm : harden —often used with up

2 : to recover from a decline : improve the market is firming

firm

noun

Definition of firm (Entry 4 of 4)

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

Other Words from firm Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about firm

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of firm in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

As a lobbyist, Wheeler’s best-paying client was the coal mining firm Murray Energy, which paid the firm $300,000 or more annually from 2009 through 2017, according to records from the Center for Responsive Politics. — Steven Mufson, BostonGlobe.com, "With Andrew Wheeler at the helm, EPA likely to stay the course," 6 July 2018 The firm plans to invest in apartment upgrades but also keep the apartments affordable, according to a news release. — Cassie Cope, charlotteobserver, "Three Charlotte apartment buildings have new owners and big plans for upgrades," 26 June 2018 Gurley — the firm’s de facto leader and the partner who led its Uber investment — is expected to sign up for another 10-year fund, despite that commitment keeping him as a Benchmark partner into his early 60s, according to people close to the firm. — Theodore Schleifer, Recode, "Is there a next act for one of Silicon Valley’s top investors after Uber? Benchmark and Bill Gurley are about to find out.," 25 June 2018 Greene reportedly cited the backlash against Project Maven, adding that the firm plans to announce new ethical principles about AI next week. — James Rogers, Fox News, "Google set to end controversial Project Maven military AI program, report says," 1 June 2018 The firm plans to sell those same gaming chairs to the public for $299 this usmmer through its new Raynor Gaming brand. — Connor Smith, Philly.com, "76ers Gaming Club gears up for NBA 2K's season debut," 27 Apr. 2018 Consulting firm Censuswide conducted the survey on behalf of LinkedIn. — Rachel King, Fortune, "This Is the Number One Reason Why People Don't Unplug From Work While on Vacation," 11 July 2018 Fish, whether whole or cut, should be firm and shiny, but never soft, mushy, sticky or oily, signs of age. — Nicole Sours Larson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "White fish & vegetables," 9 July 2018 Fromowitz says topical Vitamin C minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a firmer and smoother complexion. — Adam Hurly, GQ, "The Best Vitamin C Products for Having Clear, Healthy Skin," 29 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

One of that firm’s biggest clients is a company helmed by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. — Matt Richardson, Fox News, "Michael Cohen-linked firm received big payments from Russian oligarch, report says," 9 May 2018 One of that firm’s biggest clients is a company helmed by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. — Matt Richardson, Fox News, "Michael Cohen-linked firm received big payments from Russian oligarch, report says," 9 May 2018 One of that firm’s biggest clients is a company helmed by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. — Matt Richardson, Fox News, "Michael Cohen-linked firm received big payments from Russian oligarch, report says," 9 May 2018 As part of the deal, Sammons became the firm’s largest shareholder. — Justin Baer And Margot Patrick, WSJ, "Guggenheim in Talks to Buy Munich Re Asset-Management Operations," 20 June 2018 One of that firm’s biggest clients is a company helmed by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. — Matt Richardson, Fox News, "Michael Cohen-linked firm received big payments from Russian oligarch, report says," 9 May 2018 One of that firm’s biggest clients is a company helmed by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. — Matt Richardson, Fox News, "Michael Cohen-linked firm received big payments from Russian oligarch, report says," 9 May 2018 One of that firm’s biggest clients is a company helmed by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. — Matt Richardson, Fox News, "Michael Cohen-linked firm received big payments from Russian oligarch, report says," 9 May 2018 One of that firm’s biggest clients is a company helmed by Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. — Matt Richardson, Fox News, "Michael Cohen-linked firm received big payments from Russian oligarch, report says," 9 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Meanwhile, investors got another sign that inflation is firming. — Michael Wursthorn And Riva Gold, WSJ, "Stocks Edge Higher During Momentary Pause in Trade Tensions," 29 June 2018 The need for development is the main reason Stefanski suggested hiring a coach before firming up the front office. — Vince Ellis, Detroit Free Press, "Job 1 for new Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey? Develop young talent," 24 June 2018 At the time of his actions, the greens were firming up and the course was becoming more and more unplayable. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "FORE Questions: Breaking Down an Eventful U.S. Open at Shinnecock," 19 June 2018 Merkel’s trip to meet the president, which the White House has said isn’t firmed up yet, is understood to be at her request. — Helene Fouquet, Bloomberg.com, "Merkel and Macron Seek United Front on Trump Tariffs," 13 Apr. 2018 For a taller vehicle weighing in at a substantial 5,300 pounds, Trackhawk had no tendency to lean over in turns thanks to track mode automatically firming up the suspension. — Andy Mikonis, chicagotribune.com, "Driving the 707-horsepower Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in a word? SICK," 15 Sep. 2017 Arsenal look set to firm up their immediate future this week, with midfielder Jack Wilshere set to sign a new deal and Mikel Arteta ready to put pen to paper on his first managerial contract. — SI.com, "Arsenal Set to Confirm Contracts for Mikel Arteta & Midfielder This Week as Club Build for Future," 21 May 2018 Because if cold eggs hit soft butter, the butter will immediately firm up and the final texture won't quite be the same. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Room-Temperature Butter: When We Say You Need It, We Mean It," 16 Apr. 2018 Place them, still wrapped in foil, in refrigerator to firm for a least 3 hours or up to overnight. — Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, "Vegan etouffee? Don't knock till you try it, cookbook author says," 2 June 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The investment firm is asking for the 5,000 bitcoins back, which at present exchange rates would be worth over $31.3 million. — Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica, "Lawyer: My client didn’t steal 5,000 bitcoins, “Period”," 7 Nov. 2018 After Oklahoma started using pentobarbital in place of sodium thiopental in late 2010, the Danish pharmaceutical firm Lundbeck restricted the sale of pentobarbital for use in capital punishment. — Abdullah Shihipar, Teen Vogue, "Lethal Injection Drugs and the Death Penalty, Explained," 30 Oct. 2018 The now-56-year-old retired Navy explosive-ordnance-disposal technician served in the Bosnian War and later founded a military contracting firm. — Jim Rendon, Marie Claire, "When Female Veterans Return Home," 29 Oct. 2018 Frank had alleged the firm misstated its profits and he was owed millions. — Greg Norman | Fox News, Fox News, "Michael Avenatti ordered by judge to hand over $4.85 million in back pay to attorney at his former law firm," 23 Oct. 2018 Synlogic, a biotech firm Collins co-founded and advises, is developing several therapies that use this type of logic switch in bacteria. — Eric Smalley, Discover Magazine, "Cellular Cyborgs: How Programmable DNA Strands Might Control Healing," 25 Sep. 2018 The global trading firm announced plans to build its Texas Gulf Terminals Project 12.7 miles off the coast of North Padre Island, near Corpus Christi. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "Offshore Mega-Terminals Are Coming Because Oil Supertankers Are Too Big for Our Ports," 14 Sep. 2018 The report also reveals Mr. Cohen’s advocacy for another pharmaceutical company, one the report says has ties to an investment firm associated with Viktor Vekselberg, a wealthy Russian businessman now under U.S. sanctions. — Michael Rothfeld, WSJ, "Novartis Played Down Ties to Trump Lawyer Michael Cohen, Report Says," 13 July 2018 The documents cover the period between Jan. 1, 2016, and March 9 and were provided to the law firm under the state open records law after lawyers asked for information about the move. — Lee Bergquist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Dairy group uses behind-the-scenes influence with Gov. Scott Walker to shift regulation of large livestock farms," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.