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

Firefighters made a hole with an axe just above the entrance to let the thick black smoke flow out and to avoid breaking the eight stained glass windows along the sides of the structure. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026

The event was held at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton and featured a 1-mile walk followed by a carnival with axe throwing, rock climbing, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and more. —Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026

Verb

But this project was bedeviled with budget trouble, and axed before anyone got to see it. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026

Block is not the only company that wants to axe middle management. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026