firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

1

a

: the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target

b

: effective fire

2

a

: effective power or force

intellectual firepower

b

: the scoring ability of a team or player

Synonyms

• power
• strength
• energy
• capability
• muscle
• capacity

Examples of firepower in a Sentence

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders.

right now the President doesn't have the political firepower to push his programs through Congress

Recent Examples on the Web

The Tigers will aim to showcase their offensive firepower early, leaning on returning playmakers and speed at the skill positions to set the pace. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025

If America loses its next war, the reason won’t be enemy firepower. —Kenneth Braithwaite, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025

The defensive front seven has plenty of firepower with senior defensive lineman Anthony Adams III (10 sacks) and senior linebackers D’angelo Washington (92 tackles) and Braedon O’Hara (52 tackles) all back. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025

And after losing Tyrese Haliburton for the entirety of the 2025-26 season, the Pacers could use some extra offensive firepower. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for firepower

• candlepower
• cauliflower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target