Synonyms of ax

ax 1 of 2

noun

ˈaks 

variants or axe

as in dismissal

the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily

the company was hemorrhaging money, so 700 employees would soon be given the ax

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismissal
• firing
• furlough
• layoff
• sack
• discharge
• boot
• redundancy
• closing
• pink slip
• shutdown
• heave-ho
• downsizing
• bird
• bum's rush
• shakeout
• shake-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reemployment
• recall
• callback
• rehire
• rehiring

ax

2 of 2

verb

variants or axe

as in to sack

to let go from office, service, or employment

the boss will ax anyone who leaks company secrets

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sack
• fire
• remove
• dismiss
• retire
• release
• pink-slip
• terminate
• can
• muster out
• turn off
• discharge
• bounce
• show (someone) the door
• excess
• furlough
• trim
• cashier
• lay off
• send packing
• downsize
• kick out
• drum (out)
• chuck (out)
• unseat
• boot (out)
• separate
• throw out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hire
• employ
• sign (up or on)
• engage
• retain
• keep
• take on
• contract
• rehire
• reemploy
• recruit
• subcontract

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ax

Noun

This could all be welcome news for white-collar workers whose industries have been in contraction, as well as for those who fear the AI axe will fall on them. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 June 2026

New Alaska-exclusive cast members include a Lumberjack leading axe-throwing demonstrations, a field ecologist serving as a naturalist and a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices offering workshops and storytelling onboard. —Josh Rivera, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Verb

But with the series mothballed for more than a year prior to being officially axed, Meloni has not been resting on his laurels. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 June 2026

Producer Heidi Anderson-Swan says James Handy's final movie project has officially been axed after the late actor's murder. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026