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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
Aircraft were ready for an increase in fire activity, especially on the canyon edges, where the fire could spread into grass and sagebrush at lower elevations, according to the management team. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025 The fire agency noted that the tragedy is the fourth deadly fire this week involving a smoke alarm that was not working properly. Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
Still, a few days later, she got fired, Dwyer said in her memo. Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 14 July 2025 Apparently, Señor Musk is now working for the government and firing a lot of people from their jobs—and really enjoying it. Larry David, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fire
Noun
  • The issue was brought to his attention by reporting from The Bee and other news outlets highlighting a stark difference between state and federal law concerning who can be licensed to work with high-grade explosives like those that sparked an inferno in Esparto on July 1.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025
  • Edison International Chief Executive Pedro Pizarro told The Times in April that evidence including videos and data from the lines suggests the possibility that the idle equipment was reenergized through a phenomenon called induction and sparked the inferno.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Progress slowly: Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid overtraining.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
  • The series started its action intensity high, with explosions, fist fights, hit-and-run accidents, and department moles in the first episode, but didn’t have anywhere to go from there.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Although prosecutors dropped all criminal trespassing charges, students say the ordeal left them traumatized, diminished their work ethic and deteriorated their mental health.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • What began as a lighthearted moment among friends turned into a months-long ordeal for Deborah Cobb of Seattle, when cartwheels on the beach left her unable to see.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • There is perhaps even more diversity around technology transfer, with rules, attitudes and enthusiasm varying significantly between universities.
    Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • But its interest would set off a free-for-all among large railroads and pose a test of the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for industrial consolidation.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Garber did sympathize with the recent gauntlet that Miami has run, playing four Club World Cup games and five MLS matches in the span of 35 days.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Now the Red Sox return home after going 2-4 on the road trip coming out of the All-Star break, a gauntlet that saw the club measure themselves against two of baseball’s best teams.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • This process of moving around the league, having to keep stopping and starting brought about a range of emotions for Johnson, especially doubt and loneliness.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
  • In showcasing everything from Norman Rockwell to Charles Schulz, Lucas’s idea is to tap into human emotions/connections in response to this visual storytelling.
    Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • This Brazilian Portuguese film streaming on Netflix this weekend looks like a charming cross between Father of the Bride and National Lampoon's Vacation.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 17 July 2025
  • The fire burned an area about 30 feet by 30 feet, including religious items such as Nativity scene, a cross and a Star of David.
    Cameron Macdonald, Mercury News, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • For over three decades, Kym Whitley has moved through Hollywood with an unmistakable mix of warmth, wit, and work ethic.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 26 July 2025
  • There's a fine balance between enjoying the summer warmth and avoiding heat exhaustion for those taking medication for their mental health.
    Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fire. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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