FIRMING (UP) Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

firming (up)

verb

Definition of firming (up)

present participle of firm (up)

as in freezing

to become physically firm or solid wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for firming (up)

Verb

Last year the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) began offering rankings protection if players decide to undergo an egg or embryo freezing procedure.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
While the district took a series of cost-cutting steps — including freezing spending on supplies, hiring and most new contracts, as well as laying off employees — successive budget updates showed the financial hole continuing to deepen.

— Chaewon Chung August 16, Sacbee.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of freezing

Verb

These rules manifest as algorithms, AI models, platforms, technological infrastructure and social convention, hardening through use into the conditions of cultural life.

— Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
The state needs to have programs to help incentivize and help subsidize these hazard mitigation measures and home hardening measures.

— John Ramos, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardening

Verb

Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of stiffening

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firmed (up)

firming (up)

firmly

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“Firming (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firming%20%28up%29. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of firming (up)

verb

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