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

Other than the fact that two people getting ax-murdered didn’t rouse her from her nap, there wasn’t anything suspicious about Bridget; not that there weren’t plenty of people ready to pin the crimes on her. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Petrino would actually go on to be the offensive coordinator for Pittman just one year later, and would even be the interim head coach in 2025 when Pittman was given the axe. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 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