axes 1 of 3

Definition of axesnext
plural of ax
as in dismissals
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

axes

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of axis

axes

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of ax

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 axes
Noun
Players walk down a narrow beam, timing their pace to maneuver between giant, erratically swinging (faux) axes. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 In each of these domains, the system is judged on two axes. Anna Meadows, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Most magnetic microrobots operate with five degrees of freedom, allowing movement along three axes and rotation in two directions. New Atlas, 8 June 2026 There are barbarians with battle axes and swords, robots with laser guns, spaceships, a warlock with a skull for a face. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 June 2026 Soon doctors and others will snatch fire axes to crack through the cabinets’ Plexiglas fronts and pry open the doors. Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026 Plus, the Paintbox kids also spend time outside with an archery and kid-friendly axe-throwing set (no real axes, although there are for adults) and at the farm for various activities. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026 Palstave axes were designed with a side loop to be securely attached to a wooden handle. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 Cavemen had clubs, Vikings had axes, but what can the modern man-about-town brandish to continue this martial tradition, while steering clear of city ordinances and the disapproval of his peers? Air Mail, 9 May 2026
Verb
The passed by Republicans last month axes the credits for projects that don’t begin producing electricity by 2028. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for axes
Noun
  • That led to a number of dismissals, including coach Massimiliano Allegri.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
  • What is particularly concerning about these firings is the effect the dismissals will have on the officer ranks.
    William H. McRaven, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • What were once more modest spaces offering massages and other select services have grown into comprehensive wellness centers, offering a vast array of options for guests seeking pampering and self-care.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • There will also be cooling centers available in the city, Cook County, and the surrounding counties.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Asia’s defense expansion reflects a structural shift in global security and industrial capacity, shaped by geopolitics, technology, and evolving alliances.
    Chris Oberoi, Fortune, 24 June 2026
  • As Miranda works to protect the magazine's influence, old alliances and rivalries are tested, putting Andy in the middle of another complicated chapter in her career.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Manning, back for what is probably his final season, is on the short list of best returning quarterbacks in the country and edge rusher Colin Simmons won the SEC sacks title with 12.
    Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Riley Moss sacks a scrambling Trevor Lawrence on third-and-4 for a 1-yard loss.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Nonetheless, the firings were a reminder that the runway for a play caller to find his rhythm can be unforgiving.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The heckler's veto The wave of firings after Kirk's assassination was spurred on by pro-Trump influencers, lawmakers and Vice President JD Vance.
    Huo Jingnan, NPR, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Protests from Washington and other capitals didn’t slow China’s island buildup, and Beijing has learned from that experience, Powell said.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Between capitals, the ship glides through Austria’s wine country, with family winery visits and Melk Abbey structuring the scenic stretches.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The ratification ends this year’s round of negotiations with the above-the-line unions — the DGA, the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA — all of which reached agreements well before their contracts expired, and without the threat of a strike.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 26 June 2026
  • Volkswagen agreed a deal with unions in late 2024 to avoid factory closures in Germany and rule out compulsory redundancies until the end of 2030.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Soufiane Rahimi crosses from the left of the box to Gessime Yassine near the right post, and Yassine fires it in at the 89th minute.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • Angel City fires coach Angel City FC fired coach Alex Straus on Wednesday after a little more than a year on the job.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Axes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/axes. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on axes

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster