stiffly

adverb

Definition of stifflynext
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
  1. harshly
  2. strongly
  3. severely
  4. vigorously
  5. oppressively
  6. forcibly
  7. firmly
  8. fiercely
Adverb
  • Hair in Sports Women are often judged more harshly than male counterparts in many aspects of life, but this is especially true in sports.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But their complaints come as Lecornu's government seeks to rein in public spending to appease skittish bond markets, which have punished France more harshly than many of its peers this year, amid a global bond market rout.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of harshly
Adverb
  • The final agreement did not include changes to that practice and was ultimately not voted on by the Legislature after the last-minute deal was strongly criticized, particularly by assembly members.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Netflix strongly encourages employees to take a portion of their pay in the form of equity, but with shares down more than 45 percent from a year ago employees who have done so are feeling the pain.
    — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of strongly
Adverb
  • The movie offered a sly critique of Korea’s rapid urbanization, and introduced the wayward types (bar girls, severely disabled men) that would populate all of Lee’s films.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The wars severely tarnished the United States’ global reputation and left a generation of Americans skeptical that the country could be a force for good in the world.
    — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of severely
Adverb
  • Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt and whisk vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, until the mixture thickens and lightens in color.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Argue vigorously, passionately, and with the courage of your convictions.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of vigorously
Adverb
  • The summer had seen Europe endure an oppressively dry, hot summer, which had seen wildfires spring up across the continent.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • After a bit of a reprieve from an oppressively hot summer, another heat wave is set to scorch Southern California this week.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of oppressively
Adverb
  • Deputies spoke to the male victim, who alleged the suspects forcibly entered his home with the weapon and assaulted him inside, the statement said.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • They were forcibly removed by British ambassador Lord Elgin more than 200 years ago and have yet to return to their homeland.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of forcibly
Adverb
  • The index has lost almost 40% since its June high and is firmly entrenched in bear market.
    — Justina Lee,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The reality is the situation in Nashville couldn't possibly be any worse, with the franchise firmly sitting at rock bottom.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of firmly
Adverb
  • Dropped by his followers and shunned by his circle, Jim has only Lucien on his side, a skinny and fiercely loyal admirer.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In Flanagan‘s take, Margaret is fiercely committed to shielding Carrie from the world’s dangers and from her classmates’ cruelty, even becoming a parental advocate in their community and on social media.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of fiercely
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

stiffing
stiffly
stiff-necked
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Cite this Entry

“Stiffly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffly. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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