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
Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The United States should be firm and timely about the outcome, if called upon.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024
Mattresses range from plush-soft and cloud-like to firm as a board and everywhere in between.
—Rachael Harris, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Many of the company’s cable networks are projected to lose subscribers and ad dollars in months to come, according to data from Kagan, a market-research firm that is part of S&P Global Intelligence.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for firm 
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Adjective
Tannins are firm and precise and the wine’s texture is savory and mouthwatering but silky as well.
—Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The United States should be firm and timely about the outcome, if called upon.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 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
Kate Somerville’s rich and creamy formulation, aimed at firming and brightening the skin, contains 100% pure retinol that’s encapsulated in volcanic soil.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024
Mattresses range from plush-soft and cloud-like to firm as a board and everywhere in between.
—Rachael Harris, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
Lutnick is the billionaire chairman and CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Many of the company’s cable networks are projected to lose subscribers and ad dollars in months to come, according to data from Kagan, a market-research firm that is part of S&P Global Intelligence.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Nov. 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 1 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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