" stiffly "

1: in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering;

  * e.g., " ... stiffly criticized for making such indiscreet comments in public "

•  Synonyms : 

•  brutally,

•  hard,

•  hardly,

•  harshly,

•  ill,

•  oppressively,

•  roughly,

•  severely,

•  sternly

•  Antonyms : 

•  clemently,

•  gently,

•  leniently,

•  lightly,

•  mildly,

•  softly

2: in a vigorous and forceful manner;

  * e.g., " ... a stiffly fought battle "

•  Synonyms : 

•  dynamically,

•  energetically,

•  explosively,

•  firmly,

•  forcefully,

•  forcibly,

•  hard,

•  mightily,

•  muscularly,

•  powerfully,

•  roundly,

•  stoutly,

•  strenuously,

•  strongly,

•  sturdily,

•  vigorously

•  Antonyms : 

•  feebly,

•  gently,

•  softly,

•  weakly

1: incapable of or highly resistant to bending;

  * e.g., " ... use a stiff piece of paper for the project "

•  Synonyms : 

•  inflexible,

•  rigid,

•  stiffened,

•  unyielding

•  Antonyms : 

•  flexible,

•  floppy,

•  pliable,

•  pliant,

•  supple,

•  yielding

2: difficult to endure;

  * e.g., " ... stiff winds "

•  Synonyms : 

•  bitter,

•  brutal,

•  burdensome,

•  cruel,

•  excruciating,

•  grievous,

•  grim,

•  hard,

•  hardhanded,

•  harsh,

•  heavy,

•  inhuman,

•  murderous,

•  onerous,

•  oppressive,

•  rough,

•  rugged,

•  searing,

•  severe,

•  tough,

•  trying

•  Antonyms : 

•  easy,

•  light,

•  soft

3: going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount;

  * e.g., " ... don't you think that's a pretty stiff fine for such a minor infraction? "

•  Synonyms : 

•  baroque,

•  devilish,

•  excessive,

•  exorbitant,

•  extravagant,

•  extreme,

•  fancy,

•  immoderate,

•  inordinate,

•  insane,

•  intolerable,

•  lavish,

•  over-the-top,

•  overdue,

•  overextravagant,

•  overmuch,

•  overweening,

•  plethoric,

•  steep,

•  towering,

•  unconscionable,

•  undue,

•  unmerciful

•  Antonyms : 

•  middling,

•  moderate,

•  modest,

•  reasonable,

•  temperate