as in strongly
in a vigorous and forceful manner
stomped his feet firmly to get the snow off his boots
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Recent Examples of firmly
Republicans, who say school security and improving mental health services are the best way to avoid future tragedies, have firmly opposed any new gun control measures.
—
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
While apples are baking, drain cider mixture through a fine mesh strainer placed over a heatproof measuring cup with a spout, pressing firmly to extract as much juice as possible; discard solids.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
This week, an independent United Nations inquiry concluded for the first time that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, which Israel firmly denies.
—Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
The film sits firmly in the tradition of Jordan Peele, the horror auteur whose Get Out was a blockbuster hit in 2017.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
Brandon Lake This immensely talented South Carolinian — who first came to fame as a member of the music collectives Bethel Music and Maverick City Music — has now firmly established himself as one of the biggest stars in all of contemporary Christian music.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
The Chargers are currently 2-0, and a win against the Broncos would place them firmly in first place.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Raj’s background is firmly entrench in both the tech and commerce worlds.
—Iris Dorbian, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The Miami Dolphins have looked awful in their first two games of the 2025 season, and their start has put head coach Mike McDaniel firmly on the hot seat.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
While apples are baking, drain cider mixture through a fine mesh strainer placed over a heatproof measuring cup with a spout, pressing firmly to extract as much juice as possible; discard solids.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
This week, an independent United Nations inquiry concluded for the first time that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, which Israel firmly denies.
—Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
The film sits firmly in the tradition of Jordan Peele, the horror auteur whose Get Out was a blockbuster hit in 2017.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
Brandon Lake This immensely talented South Carolinian — who first came to fame as a member of the music collectives Bethel Music and Maverick City Music — has now firmly established himself as one of the biggest stars in all of contemporary Christian music.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
The Chargers are currently 2-0, and a win against the Broncos would place them firmly in first place.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Raj’s background is firmly entrench in both the tech and commerce worlds.
—Iris Dorbian, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The Miami Dolphins have looked awful in their first two games of the 2025 season, and their start has put head coach Mike McDaniel firmly on the hot seat.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firmly
Adverb
-
At the time, Syed and his loved ones, who strongly believed in his innocence, had little hope that his conviction would be overturned.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The mortifying moment comes at a time when international tourism continues to rebound strongly despite global uncertainty.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Giordano had said the FBI would pursue the case vigorously.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Chip jumped back inside and shook his coat vigorously before heading back to his bed.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Someone forcibly entered a house that was under construction through the garage.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
-
However, given his sudden jump in the rock and even heavy metal spaces, with his dazzling performance at Back to the Beginning, the lack of familiarity with Yungblud prior to these recent events could be why some think he’s being forcibly touted as the next big rock icon.—
Quentin Thane Singer,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The bristles are neither too floppy nor too stiff, neither too long nor too short, and are cut to the perfect rounded shape that’s just right for swirling pigment over the apples or spreading it along your cheekbones—without having to work too hard for a completely natural finish.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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The Eagles went chasing on a third-and-8 situation at the Chiefs’ 33 at the start of the third quarter, and Smith went down hard after a deep pass from Hurts fell incomplete along the left sideline.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Herald readers who vehemently object to changing the Massachusetts flag by a wide margin have allies on the GOP ticket for governor.—
Isabelle Friedman,
Boston Herald,
16 Sep. 2025
-
However, an American civil liberties group vehemently denied Bondi’s claims.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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While Redford might have shied away from calling himself an activist, he was fiercely dedicated to pushing for a world that was habitable for all.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Unions fiercely resist any accountability for performance.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Firmly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firmly. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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