AXE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

ax 1 of 2

noun

ˈaks

variants or axe

Definition of ax

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

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ax

Noun

One combat sequence at the end is genuinely excellent because the film puts actual creative effort into staging a knife-versus-ax duel on a gangplank that sways back and forth over the water. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 In 2022, an 18-year-old man attacked two female teachers with a knife and an ax in a school in Malmo, killing them. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Verb

The popular Red, Hot & Boom event — one of the largest Independence Day fireworks shows in Central Florida — has grown too expensive and too large and should be axed from the city budget, Altamonte Springs officials say. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 Know More Schwartz took over in 2023 and axed any business in which Carlyle wasn’t or couldn’t be top-three. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ax

Noun

The dismissal of his pitching coaches in August, the stunning announcement of Kroenke’s purchase of the club just last week.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Does M’Benga’s past experience, and Kirk’s father’s dismissal as Reeger’s second officer, offer any answers?

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of dismissal

Verb

Since 2020, Joe Burrow has been sacked a league-worst 10 percent of the time in openers and has lost four times, a league-high.

— Vic Tafur, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The Ducks sacked Madsen three times for 15 yards, but their defensive front didn’t show too much attacking intent.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of sack

Noun

That was a stunner, but surely Michigan would come out firing and put the 2025 MAC champions away.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Conclusion Laser weapons offer rapid engagement, deep magazines, and significantly lower firing costs than many conventional defensive missiles.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of firing

Verb

Knowing workers are required to pay dues or be fired, leaders often use these funds for their own personal gain and political agenda, no matter how many rank-and-file members may object.

— Mark Mix, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched 108 Shahed-type drones fired from Russia, while at least three people were killed in the latest strikes and infrastructure was hit in Kyiv region.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of fire

Noun

Pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers faced pay cuts and furloughs from the decrease in flyers.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Former employees said Monday was coincidentally the day their layoffs from the hospital became official after months of furlough.

— Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of furlough

Verb

Third, Whyte and others dismiss our conclusion because many of the studies examining AI in medicine are simulations.

— Abe Baker-Butler, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026
If the case is not settled, dismissed or dropped before the trial date, it would be heard during the 2028 presidential primary elections.

— Violet Jira, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

In 2024, not long after Federer retired, the ATP saw its first top 10 composed entirely of two-handers.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Gaining enough prestige and respect in the industry himself to become the president of the elite organization Stunts Unlimited, Scott retired at 30 in order to direct.

— William Earl, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of retire

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aw-shucks

axed

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Style

“Ax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ax. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ax

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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