FIRMLY Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

firmly

adverb

Definition of firmly

as in strongly

in a vigorous and forceful manner stomped his feet firmly to get the snow off his boots

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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.

Recent Examples of firmly Malkovich is considered by prognosticators to be firmly in the mix in what is a very competitive best actor category this awards season with Matt Damon, Tom Cruise, Robert Pattinson, Andrew Scott, Sebastian Stan and Javier Bardem among a deep field. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 However, her performance soon takes on a more grounded, childlike cadence, which roots the supposedly amnesiac Margot a little too firmly within the literal, especially for a tale whose poetry lies in its uncanniness. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 By then several of the newer parties had been firmly established, and in the 1995 elections the party finished fifth. — Nick Taborall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 Nobody clings to each other more firmly, defends their relationship more fiercely, or dismisses the opinions of the internet more authentically than Brinity. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 Alexander’s view The worry over being abducted is more firmly ingrained in the Nigerian psyche compared to three years ago. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Beirich, through her attorneys, has firmly rejected the accusations as politically motivated. — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The cinematography captures the lush expanse of the desert and bathes the characters in dark blues while never leaving the frame murky, and the use of steadicam and exaggerated zoom-ins plants the film’s feet more firmly in its ’80s inspirations. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2026 On Saturday, the Cowboys traded for former first-round pick offensive tackle Broderick Jones which put Thomas firmly on the wrong side of the bubble going into roster cut-down day on Sunday. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firmly

Adverb

Gallup found that just 2% of Fortune 500 CHROs strongly agree their performance management system actually inspires employees to improve.

— Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Previous-generation Outbacks were functional but had an unfortunate tendency to look as though their infotainment system had been installed by somebody who strongly disliked both computers and human beings.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of strongly

Adverb

This is the situation to which Haitians living in the United States are being forcibly returned.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
More than 350 Greenlandic Indigenous women and girls, including some 12 years old and younger, previously came forward to investigators and reported that they were forcibly given contraception by Danish health authorities.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of forcibly

Adverb

That’s significant because Ross is a descendant of John Ross (also July), the famed leader of the Cherokee Nation in 1835 who vehemently was against the Ridges’ position to leave their homeland.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Bally’s, meanwhile, has vehemently argued that allowing VGTs will cannibalize revenue from its 4,000 permanent facility slot machines.

— Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of vehemently

Adverb

His first job out of law school was as a judge’s clerk at the Court of Appeal of New Zealand, giving him a front-row seat to consequential decisions—and to people who could disagree fiercely without letting those disagreements become personal.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
The 48-year-old just fiercely defended him in a lengthy statement to UsWeekly.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiercely

Browse Nearby Words

firming (up)

firmly

firmness

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“Firmly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firmly. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of firmly

adverb

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