as in freezing
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firming (up)
Verb
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After a messy morning, the freezing rain threat in Philadelphia has ended, with temperatures now above freezing.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026 -
During the winter and early spring, dormant vegetation — especially grass cured by freezing temperatures — becomes prime fuel when paired with dry, warm and windy weather.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The lunar sea Mare Crisium (the Sea of Crisis) is just visible as a dark circular feature at the top of the sunlit lunar disk, where lava flooded a network of impact craters over a billion years ago, before hardening into a vast basaltic plain.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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The Defense Department released a blueprint in January for hardening bases against drones that slip past air defenses, outlining measures for commanders, including netting to trap or prematurely detonate incoming drones and additional hardened overhead cover.—
Steven Beynon,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
23 Feb. 2026
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The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade, told us.—
Suzanne Lynch,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Firming (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firming%20%28up%29. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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