FIRMING (UP) Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

firming (up)

verb

Definition of firming (up)

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for firming (up)

Verb

Employers are freezing or cutting hiring, with the steepest declines concentrated in middle- and entry-level roles, effectively constraining household earnings exactly when energy and living costs are surging.

— Katica Roy, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026
For too many years an international break has dropped at this point of September, freezing the Premier League just as narratives were being set and excitement was rising.

— Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of freezing

Verb

September is near the end of the season, so avoid high-nitrogen doses, which can interfere with tuber hardening and storage.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
Hope for finding survivors is fading as rescuers race against time and quickly hardening mud.

— Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 Sep. 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

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firmed (up)

firming (up)

firmly

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“Firming (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firming%20%28up%29. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of firming (up)

verb

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