fire 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3

fire

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
6

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
Crews confirmed the animal was injured and turned it over to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter for treatment, fire officials said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026 Some areas could see wind gusts approaching or exceeding 60 mph with relative humidity dropping near or below 10%, creating conditions where fires can spread rapidly. Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
After catching Whitney showboating on CNN, Henry fires Jacob, their accountant on the take. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026 Here's why Kansas State fired Jerome Tang. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fire
Noun
  • The inferno destroyed most of the town of Paradise in Northern California and killed 85 people.
    Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Like a blazing inferno, the riot spreads swiftly and suddenly.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That petition — an effort to bar a young woman from a university because of her decision about which country to represent in an international sporting competition — reflects the intensity of the backlash.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Even with the intensity, Corral said the coaching staff keeps things fun, too.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Van Dyke’s girlfriend suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the ordeal, according to authorities.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Jackson said little publicly about his son’s wrongdoing, other than describing the ordeal as a difficult, trying time for the family and requesting prayers.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Robert Dorgan, 56, fatally shot ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and adult son, Aidan Dorgan.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • One of the defendants, Benjamin Song, a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters, shot Alvarado Police Department Lt.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated February 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • French President Emmanuel Macron blasted tech company executives of social media platforms over refusals to limit or restrict speech.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Joey Beechner, a senior second baseman, blasted a grand slam in West Orange’s big inning.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Varying grips, angles and equipment can also help stimulate different portions of the muscle and reduce plateaus.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Lemon water may help digestion by stimulating the release of stomach acid.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Lawrence was sacked five times but hardly seemed to notice, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for another.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Frank was sacked on Wednesday and is expected to be replaced on an interim basis by Igor Tudor.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The drone team stationed at ski jumping has come up with a way to catch the drone, change the battery and throw it back in the air.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
  • On a 2009 episode of The Rachel Zoe Project, the stylist’s last-minute work obligations threw a wrench in her plans with her then-husband, Rodger Berman.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fire. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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