as in freezes
to become physically firm or solid
wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firms (up)
Verb
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As the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands, causing the pavement to rise.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
13 Feb. 2026 -
When the water freezes and expands, the road surface weakens, which causes potholes to form.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The regime shapes us into its likeness, hardens the heart.—
Azar Nafisi,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
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The presence of an external enemy unifies the security forces, hardens their resolve, prevents defections, and makes internal fractures less likely.—
Omid Memarian,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The luxury retailer, weighed down by debt, is under pressure as consumers shift their shopping habits and competition stiffens.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
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The schedule stiffens over the final four with Green Bay and Jacksonville at home, a Christmas night game at Kansas City and then Week 18 at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
30 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Firms (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firms%20%28up%29. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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