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
But the moment did make it into the show as Cal and Liam both stripped down to their white tank tops to swing their axes in the sexy scene. Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 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
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
  • Previously, many buildings constructed after 1961 or outside the city’s largest office centers could not be converted into housing due to older rules limiting conversions, in part to preserve commercial space.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • The motion called on Lineage to keep providing resources and financial support for county community response centers, including food, water, masks and air purifiers.
    City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • The second season continues a very slow build as both sides navigate alliances and shore up their power, though the Battle of Rook’s Rest gives us our first real dragon battle.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • But Canada and Japan are only two countries in a world seeking to form similar alliances to break free from China.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 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
  • The Justice Department did not respond to questions about the firings.
    Mica Rosenberg, ProPublica, 6 July 2026
  • Such blindsiding firings aren't limited to struggling employees; experienced professionals and executives are also abruptly dismissed due to shifting business priorities, restructuring, or leadership changes.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Rather than another industry pledge, organizers positioned the coalition as a working platform where fashion capitals can test ideas, share data and develop practical solutions together.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
  • Its large-scale stage, state-of-the-art sound technology and 1,851-seat configuration allow productions to retain much of the spectacle and technical precision audiences expect from prominent theater capitals.
    Ching Dee, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • The mandate was delayed following pushback from workers and their unions, which continue to oppose and demonstrate against the order.
    Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • Along with other unions, Bates’ group has long called for Britain’s government to introduce a maximum workplace temperature.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Kelce played a bully of a restaurant manager who fires a busboy (played by Bad Bunny).
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine fires a torpedo at the decommissioned USS Juneau in support of a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 27, 2026.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Axes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/axes. Accessed 13 Jul. 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!