1
as in infernos
a destructive burning
a number of suspicious fires in the neighborhood recently
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ordeals
a test of faith, patience, or strength
asked to be sent to the front lines, as he was eager to prove himself in the fire of battle
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in shoots
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force
police officers firing rubber bullets
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
3
as in stimulates
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
a school outing to the natural history museum fired his imagination, and he grew up to become an eminent paleontologist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sacks
to let go from office, service, or employment
fired the secretary for incompetence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in throws
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm
fired a pass to the running back
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in burns
to set (something) on fire
lit some kindling before attempting to fire the logs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fires
Ron Smiley, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Two separate fires Monday left three people dead in Minnesota, authorities said.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
It has since been abandoned, used as a homeless camp, and had half a dozen fires last year.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
But residents say shortages of blankets and warm clothes remain, and there is little wood for fires.
—Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Fire officials urged residents to ensure smoke alarms are working, develop emergency escape plans and take steps to prevent fires.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
They were doomed to perish in the fires of hell.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Commute challenges were a major theme for BART in 2025, with fires near the track, computer network issues and electrical issues all contributing to significant stoppages or delays.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026
At that point, the vehicle begins to move forward and a different ICE officer pulls his weapon and immediately fires at close range, then quickly jumps out of the way.
—Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
Many of those affected believe that they were wounded by a secret weapon that fires a high-energy beam of microwaves or ultrasound.
—CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
An Israeli soldier fires a bullet, Noor falls ominously out of frame, and the film abruptly cuts to another time and place, with a closeup of Noor’s mother, Hanan (played by Dabis).
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
Upon Macklin Good driving forward — after turning her wheel — at the urging of her partner, Ross fires multiple shots at her.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 11 Jan. 2026
As the vehicle begins to move forward, another officer standing near the front driver's side draws his gun and fires multiple times.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Cellphone still in hand, Ross then fires into the window of the SUV.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
Witness videos show that at the moment Ross fires his first shot into the front of the SUV, its wheels are directed away from him.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
This is a major system that will cause numerous airport delays, traffic to come to a standstill in many cases, when traffic is moving, slick spots will be an issue, and a spike in energy bills and likely fires as people try to stay warm should be expected.
—Ron Smiley, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Two separate fires Monday left three people dead in Minnesota, authorities said.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
It has since been abandoned, used as a homeless camp, and had half a dozen fires last year.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
But residents say shortages of blankets and warm clothes remain, and there is little wood for fires.
—Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Fire officials urged residents to ensure smoke alarms are working, develop emergency escape plans and take steps to prevent fires.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
They were doomed to perish in the fires of hell.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Commute challenges were a major theme for BART in 2025, with fires near the track, computer network issues and electrical issues all contributing to significant stoppages or delays.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
The gunman then fires four shots at two witnesses outside a nearby funeral home.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026
At that point, the vehicle begins to move forward and a different ICE officer pulls his weapon and immediately fires at close range, then quickly jumps out of the way.
—Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
Many of those affected believe that they were wounded by a secret weapon that fires a high-energy beam of microwaves or ultrasound.
—CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
An Israeli soldier fires a bullet, Noor falls ominously out of frame, and the film abruptly cuts to another time and place, with a closeup of Noor’s mother, Hanan (played by Dabis).
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
Upon Macklin Good driving forward — after turning her wheel — at the urging of her partner, Ross fires multiple shots at her.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 11 Jan. 2026
As the vehicle begins to move forward, another officer standing near the front driver's side draws his gun and fires multiple times.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Cellphone still in hand, Ross then fires into the window of the SUV.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
Witness videos show that at the moment Ross fires his first shot into the front of the SUV, its wheels are directed away from him.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fires
Noun
-
The medical ordeals are traumatic and disgusting, but fascinating and full of the quirks of modern life.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Both women survived, but are still reeling from ordeals that have drawn national attention — in part, because they were captured on video and shared on social media.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Like, no one shoots a stereo film like James.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
If the minor shoots themselves or someone else, causing serious injuries, penalties can max out at 10 years in prison and a $7,500 fine.—
Jack Springgate,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As Sons points out, plants want consistent warmth, not blasts of heat, which can cause scorching.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
19 Jan. 2026
-
Eventually, Bree blasts the girl with a hypocritical, if technically correct, speech that sleeping with a middle-aged married man is gross and embarrassing and shouldn’t be talked about.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The viral beauty gadget stimulates collagen, boosts circulation, and leaves you with plump, youthful results.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Continuing to seek out mental and social challenges stimulates brain metabolism, neuroplasticity and vascular health, according to Efrati, who also serves as chair of the medical advisory board at Aviv Clinics, which operates in Florida and Tel Aviv.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Manning, back for what is probably his final season, is on the short list of best returning quarterbacks in the country and edge rusher Colin Simmons won the SEC sacks title with 12.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Riley Moss sacks a scrambling Trevor Lawrence on third-and-4 for a 1-yard loss.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Lost, Helen adopts a goshawk and throws herself into the world of big bird ownership, gloves and all.—
Adam Graham,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Execution is more of the issue, as the film’s 112-minute running time feels both packed to the gills and unable to fully tackle everything James’ script throws at the wall.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Your body burns additional calories in the cold from shivering.—
Kaelyn Lynch,
Outside,
23 Jan. 2026
-
According to Amnesty International, Israel used white phosphorus, a highly reactive chemical that burns at extremely high temperatures when exposed to air.—
Josiane Yazbeck,
The Conversation,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Advertisement Climate Change From hurricanes to wildfires, extreme weather events can impact electricity prices.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Hotter temperatures intensify wildfires, and drought produces more fuel.—
Bill Frist,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fires. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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