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

Bringing that kind of creative firepower into both Nateland and No Pictures changes what’s possible for us. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

With talented transfers, Aledo’s potential offensive firepower is very promising. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026

Yields initially fell following his announcement but then rebounded, in part due to skepticism over how much firepower Bessent actually had. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

But Bessent will have much more firepower to battle bond vigilantes. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 Aug. 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