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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 Orélien has firmly denied the accusations, but the controversy was quickly pounced on by the far right to discredit the non-white writer. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 A little Pi can now run technology that not very long ago belonged firmly in the expensive category. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026 Saudi Arabia spent $83 billion on defense last year, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, putting it firmly among the top ten military spenders worldwide. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Today, Japanese designers are firmly established on the vintage market and early examples can command extraordinary prices. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 In addition to their continuous linear strength, Wolf Entertainment’s Chicago and Law & Order series have been big next-day-on-Peacock draws, with all five series, along with Line Of Fire, firmly in the streamer’s Top 10 since their premieres. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 But within a second, Madsen spun around with the ball firmly in his grasp and found sophomore AJ Jones completely alone for a simple 7-yard completion and first down. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firmly

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

There was also significant vandalism to the school's library, with books, furniture, and electronic equipment destroyed and a door forcibly opened.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The Houthis had also been forcibly recruiting large numbers of children and Ethiopian migrants, using them as human shields, spies and for dangerous mine-planting.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of forcibly

Adverb

And even DeVonta Smith, who made his return from injury Sunday, landed hard in the fourth quarter and appeared to be shaken up.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
The Capricorn Moon squares the Sun in your sign, making private responsibilities or family dynamics harder to tune out.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of hard

Adverb

Several senior Iranian officials have vehemently denied these accusations.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Hamilton’s campaign has vehemently denied the allegations and a series of court records undercut the claim that Hamilton attempted to protect the child abuser, who was ultimately convicted for an unrelated offense.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of vehemently

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

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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of firmly

adverb

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