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
Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, your credentials still remain a firm target for criminals and scammers.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Johnson has been making phone calls and reaching out to lawmakers who have expressed skepticism about his speakership bid in an effort to firm up support before Friday, a source familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 31 Dec. 2024
David Morel, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Additionally, investment firms are paying up big money for warehouse space amid the turn of the year.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2025
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
By Ryan Smith Senior Pop Culture & Entertainment Reporter
0
Connections has become to be a firm favorite among word-puzzle fans since arriving on the scene a little over a year and a half ago.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, your credentials still remain a firm target for criminals and scammers.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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
Let stand at room temperature until firmed up enough to handle, 15 minutes to 12 hours.
—Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Johnson has been making phone calls and reaching out to lawmakers who have expressed skepticism about his speakership bid in an effort to firm up support before Friday, a source familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
According to the 2024 Global CEO Survey from consulting firm PwC, seven out of 10 CEOs believe that AI will significantly change the way their company creates, delivers and captures value over the next three years.
—David Morel, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Additionally, investment firms are paying up big money for warehouse space amid the turn of the year.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2025
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 18 Jan. 2025.
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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