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

At the resort, there’s a host of activities and amenities, including four golf courses with 10-18 holes each, bass fishing, axe throwing, pickleball, and more. — Megan Dubois, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Elsewhere on the grounds, axe throwing is back, along with a shooting gallery and a fire pit for roasting s’mores. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2026

Verb

With their Spotify deal axed and their other ventures failing to gain much traction, Harry and Meghan needed pastures new. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026

Despite that, Meta axed the team responsible for investigating the downside of its products. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026