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

Anduril believes autonomous teaming could significantly increase available firepower. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026

The Other Half Of The Ledger All that firepower sits on the pricing side, and there is a reason for the lopsidedness. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Perhaps Chisholm’s Game 2 blast will serve as that spark, but Sunday’s overall offensive performance was a reminder that the Yankees don’t have enough firepower right now. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

France had enough offensive firepower to potentially win the tournament, but Les Bleus lost to Spain in the semifinals and squandered their chance at reaching a third straight World Cup final. — Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 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