firming (up)

verb

Definition of firming (up)next
present participle of firm (up)
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)
  1. freezing
  2. hardening
  3. stiffening
Verb
  • Related Stop Mold Growth Even if no pests are visible, freezing also halts mold growth, which is often what attracts bugs like booklice.
    — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In Zone 5, make sure to mulch it for the winter to protect the roots against freezing temperatures.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of freezing
Verb
  • Hope for finding survivors is fading as rescuers race against time and quickly hardening mud.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Scouring Pads Cleaning spills as soon as possible after cooking can keep them from hardening into a stain that feels impossible to remove.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of hardening
Verb
  • Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of stiffening
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

firmed (up)
firming (up)
firmly
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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 Sep. 2026.

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