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

Designed during the final years of the Cold War, it was engineered to hunt the Soviet Union’s most advanced submarines with exceptional stealth, firepower, and endurance. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026

After losing a thrilling match in the 2022 World Cup Final, between Dembélé and Mbappé, France absolutely still has the firepower to go all the way in 2026. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

The Rockets needed an offensive firepower boost in the backcourt, and Thornton was probably the best bet available, even if his defense is questionable because of his size. — Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Yet robust economic growth has proved elusive, even as government debt has climbed, leaving successive administrations with little firepower to fix a growing list of related challenges, from crumbling infrastructure to a chronic housing shortage. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 23 June 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