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

Washington gave Philly a fight last week but Dallas and Dak Prescott have too much firepower for Washers’ a lower-tier defense. — Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Divisional games tend to be close, but the Panthers have more firepower. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Whether viewing in person at the Ryman over the livestream, fans definitely noticed, and did not hold it against him, given the firepower that followed, and perhaps some empathy with what Stapleton might have been going through. — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

The Horned Frogs have more than enough firepower to cruise to a victory, but a lack of focus could make this matchup closer than anticipated. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 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