ax 1 of 2

variants or axe
Definition of axnext
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily the company was hemorrhaging money, so 700 employees would soon be given the ax

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ax

2 of 2

verb

variants or axe

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ax
Noun
This could all be welcome news for white-collar workers whose industries have been in contraction, as well as for those who fear the AI axe will fall on them. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 June 2026 New Alaska-exclusive cast members include a Lumberjack leading axe-throwing demonstrations, a field ecologist serving as a naturalist and a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices offering workshops and storytelling onboard. Josh Rivera, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Verb
But with the series mothballed for more than a year prior to being officially axed, Meloni has not been resting on his laurels. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 June 2026 Producer Heidi Anderson-Swan says James Handy's final movie project has officially been axed after the late actor's murder. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ax
Noun
  • While the primary suit was settled with no monetary compensation for either side, Lively’s lawyers preserved their motion to pursue damages and fees related to the dismissal of Baldoni’s suit.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
  • Reps for Paramount and Shell did not respond to Deadline’s request for comment on the dismissal filings.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Renard, 57, has been out of management since being sacked by Saudi Arabia in April, bringing his second stint with the national team to an end.
    Sam Joseph, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Greek coach Georgios Donis was appointed just two months ago after Saudi Arabia sacked former coach Hervé Renard.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Guests also love the daily tradition that starts by the fireplace in the main lobby, processes to a ceremonial firing of a replica 19th-century cannon on the edge of Mobile Bay, and finishes with light bites back at the hotel.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • The board voted 7-0 after meeting in executive session to consider the firing of Jennifer Honka.
    Logan Smith, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Uruguay's efforts finally yield fruit as Maximiliano Araújo fires home in the 80th minute from close range on the left after Al-Owais made an initial save of a Uruguayan header but left the ball alive in the box.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • The chief told The Times the officer who fired the shot was no longer on the force, and the district attorney’s office was reviewing whether the behavior was criminal in nature.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • San Diego finalized new labor contracts for most city workers Tuesday that include 10% raises over three years, but the contracts soften the impact of those pay hikes on the city’s budget crisis by requiring unpaid furloughs.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2026
  • The furloughs come just weeks before the museum’s annual Juneteenth celebration, as well as the third anniversary of its opening on June 27.
    News Desk, Artforum, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • If that happens, remove the safety clip, hold the can with both hands, and prepare to spray when the bear is roughly 30 to 40 feet away.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • For that matter, Spencer Schwellenbach’s rehabilitation from surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow will be closer to completion.
    Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The judge also dismissed a criminal charge related to possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, according to Reuters and ABC News.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss all charges in the case, citing new video evidence.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • From a box-score perspective, Brind’Amour’s case ranks similarly to that of Rick Tocchet, Bill Guerin and Ray Whitney, who are all unlikely to be inducted given other sure-thing candidates about to retire around the league.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Silverton has trailblazed a career through the food industry, but has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ax. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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