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

When the axe fell, there was a swift backlash from the press, at least partly driven by Ian Levine, a prominent fan and unofficial script consultant. — Neil Oseman, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Once the bike parade was over on Friday, many moved inside the park grounds where the carnival rides, food, craft tents and a new adult axe throwing event awaited. — David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Verb

The educator and Youtuber, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, slammed the British star after rapper Macklemore was axed from the remaining dates of Sheeran's tour. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Bliss Mobil's standard 13-foot units include diesel heating, but since this one has been designed to run on 100% electricity without any fossil fuel usage, that heater has been axed from the spec list. — New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026