as in to freeze
to become physically firm or solid
wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firm (up)
Verb
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That stasis quickly froze America’s most desirable metro areas, leaving them unable to build enough housing to meet demand.—
Marina Bolotnikova,
Vox,
7 July 2025 -
The study confirms the central role played by federal funding in supporting STEM doctoral research, a finding that comes as the Trump administration is freezing and cancelling billions of dollars in government funding across a broad swath of scientific areas.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Tehran's rejection shows that U.S. pressure has hardened its stance, narrowing oversight after damage to its nuclear sites and suspended inspections.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
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Many had been taught to feel shame in Native culture and language at Indian boarding schools; others had been hardened by prison stints or by the harsh realities of urban poverty.—
Nick Estes,
New Yorker,
26 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Firm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firm%20%28up%29. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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