as in strongly
in a vigorous and forceful manner
stomped his feet firmly to get the snow off his boots
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Recent Examples of firmly
Since her fairy tale transition from Hollywood actress to Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has firmly established herself as a modern fashion icon.
—
Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
The fest, which was launched in 2017 by Egyptian telecom billionaire Naguib Sawiris — whose brother Samih built the El Gouna resort — has had its ups and downs, but is now firmly on the international map.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), seen as the most powerful arm of the regime, with both military and economic reach, appears to remain firmly in control and may be in a stronger position than before the conflict, experts say.
—Abigail Williams, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
The North Bay absorbed the heaviest rainfall of the past several days, but that will be firmly in the rearview mirror.
—Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026
Alicia Garcia Herrero Chief Economist, Asia Pacific, Natixis Stocks listed in Europe also began their trading day firmly in negative territory, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index shedding more than 1%.
—Lim Hui Jie,anniek Bao,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
The young remain firmly attached to the milk-giving teats for a period corresponding roughly to the latter part of development of the fetus in the womb of a placental mammal (eutherian).
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Details like this serve to remind you that the compass of the inn’s ethos firmly points to the island and its deep history.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
But the building’s doors were firmly locked, and no one answered the knocking.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
The fest, which was launched in 2017 by Egyptian telecom billionaire Naguib Sawiris — whose brother Samih built the El Gouna resort — has had its ups and downs, but is now firmly on the international map.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), seen as the most powerful arm of the regime, with both military and economic reach, appears to remain firmly in control and may be in a stronger position than before the conflict, experts say.
—Abigail Williams, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
The North Bay absorbed the heaviest rainfall of the past several days, but that will be firmly in the rearview mirror.
—Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026
Alicia Garcia Herrero Chief Economist, Asia Pacific, Natixis Stocks listed in Europe also began their trading day firmly in negative territory, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index shedding more than 1%.
—Lim Hui Jie,anniek Bao,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
The young remain firmly attached to the milk-giving teats for a period corresponding roughly to the latter part of development of the fetus in the womb of a placental mammal (eutherian).
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Details like this serve to remind you that the compass of the inn’s ethos firmly points to the island and its deep history.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
But the building’s doors were firmly locked, and no one answered the knocking.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firmly
Adverb
-
Netflix has given a second season renewal to Age of Attraction after the dating reality series strongly hooked with viewers after a March 25 rookie season wrap.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In April 2024, a community meeting survey found that over 50% of respondents supported or strongly supported the site being used for teacher housing.—
Thomas White,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
For many Jewish Americans, the antisemitic incidents have confirmed longstanding fears about the rise of antisemitism, as well as the need to vigorously counter extremism and live their faith undaunted by threats.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
-
For many Jewish Americans, the antisemitic incidents have confirmed longstanding fears about the rise of antisemitism, as well as the need to vigorously counter extremism and live their faith undaunted by threats.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Lauderhill Police said the suspect forcibly took the teenager's cellphone and physically dragged her back to the building.—
Morgan Rynor,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The indictment includes the conspiracy count, which carries a maximum sentence of six years in federal prison, as well as several other counts of forcibly impeding a federal officer, each punishable by up to one year in federal prison.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
They are being hit so hard, anybody would be negotiating.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
There is serious concern that a stoppage that costs games could dampen the enthusiasm the sport worked hard to rebuild.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The White House has vehemently pushed back on Kent's claims.—
Anne Bryson,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Ultimately, a lack of Democratic support for weakening the filibuster prevented them from passing that legislation, but Republicans were also vehemently opposed and leaned on arguments about protecting states’ rights.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Like all classic bands, Queen’s greatest strength was the combination of the personalities — four very different but forceful and fiercely competitive people.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Spellane said Patriot Mobile was one of the only companies that fiercely defended users’ privacy.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firmly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firmly. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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