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

But the Lakers lacked the firepower to muster a true comeback bid. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Dec. 2025

The Griffins have a bit more firepower and advance to face the winner of Archbishop Riordan and Folsom in the state championship game. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025

Could there be some offensive firepower left in Pérez's game waiting to be unleashed against major league pitching? —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

There also was Carrie Fisher, who hilariously recurred as a vengeful ex of Jake’s who is bent on destroying him — with ever-increasing firepower and futility. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 3 Dec. 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