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
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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
-
Later, people tell me that the police interrogated her like a potential suspect—not harshly, just because of standard procedure.—
Akash Kapur,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026 -
The bill is separate from a law passed in March that approved the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, a measure harshly condemned by the international community and rights groups as discriminatory and inhumane.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 May 2026
Adverb
-
In a Yale Youth poll from fall 2025, Ocasio-Cortez was strongly-backed by younger Democrats against the possible contenders.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
Hims stock has often reacted strongly to any news that may affect its ability to sell weight loss drugs to consumers, which has been highly profitable for the telehealth company.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Adverb
-
Iran has repeatedly used internet shutdowns during periods of unrest, where access to the global internet is severely restricted or completely cut, making foreign websites and apps unreachable.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
-
Conducting a soil test will eliminate the guesswork when choosing the right type and amount of fertilizer for your trees, as using too much fertilizer or the incorrect type can severely damage them.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
10 May 2026
Adverb
-
The White House did not respond to questions about how vigorously Trump would press for Lai's release.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
-
Fox News and OutKick have previously reported that the NFL would also vigorously defend its antitrust exemption amid a Justice Department probe.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Adverb
-
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.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
18 Dec. 2025
-
The second planet from the sun has a completely inhospitable surface, with temperatures reaching 863 degrees Fahrenheit (462 degrees Celsius) and a crushing pressure underneath an oppressively thick atmosphere.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Investigators believe Rivera had been forcibly dragged into the residence and attempted to escape.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
Melody Simmons is now charged with a misdemeanor after being forcibly removed from the podium.—
Gino Vicci,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Adverb
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Nearly a decade later, both actors are firmly in A-list territory, balancing blockbuster franchises, fashion partnerships, and increasingly global careers.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te thanked his counterpart and Paraguay's government for speaking out for Taiwan and firmly supporting Taiwan's international participation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Adverb
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Evie’s eccentric family also featured, including fiercely loving single mum Suz (Suranne Jones), sister Izzie (Liv Hill), boyfriend Josh (Adam Long), and frustrating neighbor Callum (Owen Cooper).—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
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In California, single-payer is fiercely opposed by health insurers, the California Medical Association, chambers of commerce and a laundry list of industry trade associations.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Stiffly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffly. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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