fire 1 of 3

1
as in inferno
a destructive burning a number of suspicious fires in the neighborhood recently

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fire

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to shoot
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force police officers firing rubber bullets

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2
as in to blast
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force soldiers fired at the enemy in panic-stricken disorder

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fire (up)

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verb (2)

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 fire
Noun
In February, a United Airlines Airbus A319 experienced an engine fire out of Houston’s airport, resulting in an aborted takeoff. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 The ritual occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on the day before Easter and consists of the lighting of a fire — said to emerge miraculously — that is then distributed to Orthodox countries including Romania. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
Verb
Sirens blared, the fires raged on, cars flew in and out of the center of town, pro-immigrant protestors fired guns and set off fireworks, and a large group clad in red, white, and green jumped up and down in front of the explosions. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 Saleh was the head coach for the New York Jets, but was unceremoniously fired after Week 6 in 2024. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fire
Noun
  • Achieving the effect required precise teamwork—all while the actor navigated the growing inferno.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 4 June 2025
  • As images of the inferno and its aftermath circulated, some took to social media to bemoan the loss while others celebrated its destruction.
    Bracey Harris, NBC news, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • The intensity extended to the coaching staff: Canales showed up to last Wednesday’s media session with a raspy voice.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • As the back-and-forth between Israel and Iran picks up in its intensity, with no end in sight, is there any way to de-escalate tensions in the Mideast before the situation worsens?
    / CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Thankfully, Midas is now fully recovered from his gassy ordeal, and is back to his usual self, running around the house and enjoying life.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Then, two weeks into my pre-op ordeal, a teenaged redhead came into my room.
    Noor Hassan, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • With enthusiasm building among opponents of the Iranian government, analysts and former officials are treating with caution speculation of an insurrection capable of actually ousting the country's leadership.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • However, their fresh perspective, general enthusiasm and tech fluency can be superpowers that breathe new life into an organization.
    Jill Shedek, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • As the morning trickled on, fans lined up in a gauntlet outside the bar, hopefully keeping watch for golf carts from Las Olas Isles.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
  • Ninja Gaiden Photo: Courtesy of Nintendo The ’80s were the golden age for video-game difficulty, and the NES boasted an oppressive gauntlet of Battletoads, Contra, and the early Mega Man games.
    Luke Winkie, Vulture, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • This represents the triumph of emotion over legal reasoning.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • The teams don’t play each other again until August, so there’s plenty of time for emotions to cool.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Another brilliant kill by the Panthers, the ubiquitous Tomas Nosek disrupting the Oilers all over the defensive zone, was followed by Panthers winger Sam Reinhart putting a backhand cross ice breakout into the stands.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
  • During cross examination, Abrego Garcia's attorneys raised questions about possible conflicts of interest.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Closing my eyes, I was flooded with the familiar warmth and the accompanying tug of distraction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • The warmth of the natural teak decks also complements the gleaming geometric forms of the hull and superstructure.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fire. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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