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 of firepower

• 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

When an opposing superstar is cooking, which can happen in the playoffs, their firepower becomes an issue. —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 12 May 2026

At times during the Sandy Brondello era, Johannes would flash her offensive firepower, but sometimes be a liability against opposing defenders. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026

In the end, Wave FC (6-3, 18 points) just had a little bit more firepower to sink Angel City FC (3-4, nine points) to a fourth consecutive loss. —Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 10 May 2026

The Guardians are currently built more on pitching and defense, than on offensive firepower. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026

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