1
a
: securely or solidly fixed in place
his teeth were firm
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
a firm handshake
c
: having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
firm apples
2
a(1)
: not subject to change or revision
a firm offer
a firm date
(2)
: not subject to price weakness : steady
firm commodities
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer in democracy
c
: well-founded
firm evidence of criminal activity
3
: indicating firmness or resolution
a firm mouth
a firm voice
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly
firmed; firming; firms
1
a
: to make secure or fast : tighten
firming her grip on the racquet
—often used with up
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to put into final form : settle
firm a contract
firm up plans
3
: to give additional support to : strengthen
—usually used with up
1
: the name or title under which a company transacts business
2
: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3
: a business unit or enterprise
Synonyms
Examples of firm in a Sentence
Adjective
She has a firm grasp of the basic principles.
They insist on maintaining firm control over the project.
He spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.
The time has come for us to take a firm stand.
The children need gentle but firm handling.
Verb
wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot
Noun
merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2024
Its hydraulic steering was extremely communicative, responsive, and busy, relaying every crease in the tarmac at all times — to the point of requiring a firm grip and faster than average hands — just the way any driving aficionado desires.
—Peter Nelson, The Verge, 23 Dec. 2024
Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
Formulated with vitamin C and DMAE (a compound known for improving skin tone), the eye serum comes in a dropper and is designed to boost radiance and firm the complexion while evening out the skin tone.
—Jessie Quinn, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
Huntress also noted that Blue Yonder, a software firm breached by the Termite ransomware gang in November, had a vulnerable instance of Cleo’s software exposed on its network, and some evidence suggests the same cybercrime group may now be using the software’s vulnerability to hit other victims.
—Matt Burgess, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for firm 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
The report gives fresh voice to allegations of misconduct that have circulated around Gaetz for years, in spite of his firm denials.
—Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2024
Its hydraulic steering was extremely communicative, responsive, and busy, relaying every crease in the tarmac at all times — to the point of requiring a firm grip and faster than average hands — just the way any driving aficionado desires.
—Peter Nelson, The Verge, 23 Dec. 2024
Adverb
The Golden Knights generated multiple good chances, but Quick and the rest of Los Angeles' makeshift defense held firm once again to preserve the tie.
—Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Verb
Set the cut end of the stem about 1 inch deep in the potting medium and firm the soil around the base of the cutting.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
Formulated with vitamin C and DMAE (a compound known for improving skin tone), the eye serum comes in a dropper and is designed to boost radiance and firm the complexion while evening out the skin tone.
—Jessie Quinn, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
The firm has worked for decades with entertainers, athletes and others to enter Canada.
—Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
Huntress also noted that Blue Yonder, a software firm breached by the Termite ransomware gang in November, had a vulnerable instance of Cleo’s software exposed on its network, and some evidence suggests the same cybercrime group may now be using the software’s vulnerability to hit other victims.
—Matt Burgess, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for firm
Dictionary Entries Near firm
Cite this Entry
“Firm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firm. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
firm
1 of 4 adjective1
a
: solidly fixed in place
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
c
: having a solid or compact texture
2
a
: not likely to be changed
a firm offer
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer
3
: indicating firmness or determination
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
firm
2 of 4 adverb
: in a firm manner
stood firm
firm
3 of 4 verb1
a
: to make secure
firm your grip on the racket
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to become firm
firm
4 of 4 noun
: a business organization
law firm
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English ferm "firm, secure," from early French ferm (same meaning), from Latin firmus "firm, secure, solid"
Noun
from German firma "the name or sign under which a company does business," from Italian firma "signature," derived from Latin firmare "to make firm, to approve, to sign," from firmus "firm, secure"
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