fire 1 of 3

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

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fire

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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
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
Noun
  • The UConn athletic department acted fast after coach Dan Hurley – and Georgetown coach Ed Cooley – commented on the lack of enthusiasm from the home crowd and some empty seats at men’s basketball games this season.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Sámi filmmaker Elisabeth Rasmussen follows the impressive results of his research, which costs peanuts compared to the enormous budget poured into comparable space missions, with equal zeal and enthusiasm.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That kicks off an 11-game gauntlet in which the Knicks face eight teams currently in playoff position and three others within striking distance of a play-in spot.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • However, that doesn’t mean winning is guaranteed in the grueling gauntlet that’s the 6A Division I basketball playoffs.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The daily routines that seem basic and intuitive to use hold a complex range of emotions for our toddlers—everything from fear to disgust to excitement.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Employees and customers exchange many words, but none of them bring out emotions – these are inorganic exchanges.
    Blake Simons, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Russia is now propelled by not Marxism but nationalism under the two-beamed cross of Orthodoxy.
    Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Sweden had started the race as strong favorites, having won seven out of nine medals in the women's cross country competition.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In hues from muddy browns to iridescent purples, grackles seek safety in numbers, for the most part, but perhaps warmth and socializing as well.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Elements like wicker baskets, wooden benches, or clay planters bring warmth and organic texture to any porch, says Paxton.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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