1
as in decisiveness
firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose
a woman of remarkable firmness in the achievement of the goals she has set for herself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reliability
the ability to withstand force or stress without being distorted, dislodged, or damaged
test the firmness of the concrete before parking the car on it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 firmness
The pillow is available in two sizes and two firmness options to accommodate different sleep styles and body types.
—
V Brand Stories, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
These models shift smoothly between firmness levels.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 13 May 2026
And as should be requisite in this field, a dense base of shea butter and humectants like hyaluronic acid give your skin immediate replenishment and firmness.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
Finally, seedless types are bred specifically for flesh firmness.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Benson points out that cold temperatures (about 40°Fahrenheit) reduce bacterial growth and preserve firmness and prevent spoilage.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Smoking accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin firmness and elasticity.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
In comments carried by Iran’s official state news agency IRNA this morning, Pezeshkian said all rational and diplomatic channels must be used to reduce tensions while maintaining firmness against threats.
—Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Reviewers describe the sofa as one with just enough firmness, so the cushions keep their shape while still feeling comfortable for hours of relaxation.
—Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026
V Brand Stories, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
These models shift smoothly between firmness levels.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 13 May 2026
And as should be requisite in this field, a dense base of shea butter and humectants like hyaluronic acid give your skin immediate replenishment and firmness.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
Finally, seedless types are bred specifically for flesh firmness.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Benson points out that cold temperatures (about 40°Fahrenheit) reduce bacterial growth and preserve firmness and prevent spoilage.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Smoking accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin firmness and elasticity.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
In comments carried by Iran’s official state news agency IRNA this morning, Pezeshkian said all rational and diplomatic channels must be used to reduce tensions while maintaining firmness against threats.
—Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Reviewers describe the sofa as one with just enough firmness, so the cushions keep their shape while still feeling comfortable for hours of relaxation.
—Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firmness
Noun
-
Adam Wharton, 22, is liked by people at United for his progressive passing and decisiveness on the ball.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Apple gets a new CEO who is expected to bring back Jobs-era decisiveness.—
Menaka Doshi,
Bloomberg,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Whether for hobbyist experimentation or commercial production, the emphasis is on speed, accessibility and reliability.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
-
This adds an extra layer of reliability by preventing accidental disconnections or unauthorized removal.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Their determination would not slip.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
The cause of death is pending determination by the county medical examiner.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
College, stability, and opportunity were often expected as part of the path forward.—
John W. Beacham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
Perfect for conquering your next trail, the Speedgoat 6 is made with aggressive lugs that deliver a ton of traction and stability—they’re actually inspired by the hoof of a goat.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
The backstory This all started with a man who loved antiques, and a decision to import a church from Vietnam without a clear idea of what to do with it—plus a love story.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
-
But accountability requires regular communication regarding how policymakers assess the incoming data and its implications for the economic outlook, as well as the judgements that contribute to their monetary policy decisions.—
Bill English,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Clark is finally at full strength again after, hampered by a groin injury, played in only 13 games a year ago.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Smith, who had been the strength coach at American Heritage, was promoted to head coach of the football program.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
28 May 2026
-
The March train breakdown strengthened the resolve of city officials to create an alternative people-moving system as soon as possible by repurposing the tunnel, Johnston said.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firmness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firmness. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
