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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
  • The PantheraCams are also built to withstand heat, humidity, and even freezing temperatures, though not every threat.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
  • And in the dark, and in water, so the chicories then develop sugar to avoid freezing.
    — Tamar Adler, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of freezing
Verb
  • The specifications hardening around agents are careful about this line.
    — Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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 1 Oct. 2026.

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