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
The Democrats are getting ready to light $20 million on fire to study their unpopularity! Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2025 The second failure in March was caused by a hardware failure above one of the spacecraft's six engines, which resulted in an onboard fire. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 27 May 2025
Verb
Tacoma police received a call stating shots were fired from a passerby's vehicle in the parking lot of the Tacoma Mall, FOX 13 reported in March 2023. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025 Early reports suggest there was an altercation before shots were fired, according to WTNH. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fire
Noun
  • The ensuing inferno was hot enough that any evidence of the lab’s purpose seemed to have burned away.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025
  • But after being asked in several emails by an editorial writer if the L.A. inferno showed the need for a triage approach, a spokesperson for Mayor Todd Gloria defended his handling of the fire threat.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • There is genuine disagreement about the scope and intensity of regulation.
    Rick Miller, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • The cone doesn’t represent the uncertainty associated with a storm forecast, nor the size or intensity of a storm.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Following the ordeal, Jung couldn't resist reliving the experience and sharing it on social media.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • At least 30 people were stranded more than 50 feet in the air during a terrifying ordeal at an amusement park.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Such scams exploit investor enthusiasm and poor regulation to inflate prices before insiders sell off their holdings.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • This campaign has energized consumption enthusiasm among younger demographics.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • With a group of experts looking for every possible weakness, having your grant reviewed is a bit like running a gauntlet.
    Kelly S. Mix, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
  • Others were less talented but beat a gauntlet of tough opponents.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • His evolution required alterations to his left-handed swing, learning how to channel his emotions, and even a few wake-up calls.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Everything gets harder when your emotions run wild and your judgment clouds.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • In the 42nd minute, Tottenham’s midfielder Pape Sarr whipped a right-footed cross into the area, with the ball deflecting off Man United’s Luke Shaw and then getting a slight touch from Spurs’ top scorer in all competitions.
    David Close, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
  • The game’s lone goal came when Yoshida inadvertently deflected a Sporting KC cross into his own net.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Soft area rugs provide comfort, warmth, and traction.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025
  • The treatment involves four stages: purification, warmth, focus and recovery.
    Akili King, Essence, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fire. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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