1
as in harshly
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering
stiffly criticized for making such indiscreet comments in public
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strongly
in a vigorous and forceful manner
a stiffly fought battle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffly
Adverb
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The difficulty lies in the fact that setting boundaries does not mean exercising authority harshly.
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But its conditions have been harshly criticized by l awyers, families and human rights groups, who have persistently denounced the mistreatment of detainees since the center opened 11 months ago, during the Atlantic hurricane season.
Adverb
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While the city writ large is divided on Mamdani, Democratic primary voters strongly favor the 34-year-old democratic socialist who won in an upset a year earlier, according to Bradley Honan, a Democratic pollster.
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Where assortments were once strongly driven by trends, today the starting point is the customer.
Adverb
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The earthquakes severely damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, the principal gateway serving Caracas, complicating the arrival of international aid.
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Unless the cover is severely damaged, it can often be resecured or even straightened.
Adverb
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The mixture should bubble vigorously and not produce a smell other than the smell of vinegar.
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Shake vigorously until chilled.
Adverb
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Fortunately, this spell of hot temps will be a generally drier heat — not necessarily oppressively humid like is typical for New England.
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The first of the four chapters is an oppressively gray-toned, narratively diffuse spy thriller, set amid the mists of what appears to be the Second World War.
Adverb
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Officers determined a female was walking north on Soto Road when an unknown male walking south grabbed the victim and forcibly moved her against her will about 20 feet, police said.
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The woman who survived the rape described in a jury trial how Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Lawrence Tyler, had punched, choked, and forcibly raped her at his home near Baton Rouge, according to local TV station WBRZ.
Adverb
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This guest embraces her sporty side with classic sneakers, a sleek black headband, and track pants that look ready for a sprint—though the black sweater vest keeps things firmly in fashion territory.
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Apply glue, but not too much, and press firmly for several seconds.
Adverb
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Trust is constructed slowly, personally, and protected fiercely.
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Yet the illusion has quickly faded, revealing an appetite for the biggest stage that remains fiercely insatiable.
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Cite this Entry
“Stiffly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffly. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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