ax 1 of 2

variants or axe
Definition of axnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ax

2 of 2

verb

variants or axe

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
Other activities this year include mechanical bull riding, karaoke, axe throwing, and a nonprofit row featuring regional organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 19 May 2026 Special props to the jolly axe-throwing head of adventure, Nye Rees; personable Brasserie maitre d’, Javier Padron; and trainer Peter Sullivan, who explained the finer points of fasting for women whilst crucifying my glutes. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
Verb
Cloudflare axed a fifth of its staff after realizing that thousands of AI agents can handle the humans’ old tasks. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 15 May 2026 Trade groups such as the American Gaming Association have lobbied for it to be axed. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ax
Noun
  • Hall heard oral arguments for the dismissal in April and has yet to issue a ruling.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • At dismissal, Fridley Middle’s teachers and many support staff put on their jackets, scarves and gloves and walked outside.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Arne Slot has been sacked as Liverpool head coach.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 30 May 2026
  • Opponents sacked Herbert 54 times last season, a career high.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Before firing, the system was pressure-tested for leaks.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
  • Mass firings have led to last-minute hearing cancellations, cases have been reset with little notice, and clients are often left in prolonged legal limbo, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.
    Olga R. Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • The officer fired on the canoe, hitting the bow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • Second, Los Angeles’ bullpen had not been scored upon in 11 straight games and had fired 38 consecutive scoreless innings, the longest streak by the Dodgers in the modern era (since 1901).
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • One that would restore medical parole and medical furlough as exceptions to the elimination of parole recently passed.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 22 May 2026
  • Public pressure and her deteriorating health led to releases and furloughs.
    Irwin Cotler, Time, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The family later contacted animal control to remove the bird.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
  • To serve, simply remove the lid from a jar and turn it upside down to release the salad into a bowl.
    Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • In December, Rozier requested that the case be dismissed, arguing that the government had overstepped by charging him with fraud.
    Tom Winter, NBC news, 28 May 2026
  • During sentencing, Baskin dismissed the argument that the devices were used for purposes such as exploding targets and fireworks.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • The starter hit the first batter of the game but then retired the next 11 hitters in a row before Colson Montgomery collected Chicago’s first hit of the game with two outs in the fourth inning.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026
  • Rudisha, known as Rudy, came to the Denver Zoo in 2016 after the Oklahoma City Zoo retired him from a breeding recommendation program.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ax. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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