1
as in shooting
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force
police officers firing rubber bullets
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in discharging
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force
soldiers fired at the enemy in panic-stricken disorder
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in stimulating
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 sacking
to let go from office, service, or employment
fired the secretary for incompetence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in throwing
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 burning
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 firing
Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
The Red Sox have yet to clarify the role offered to Varitek, noting in a news release the night of the firings that details of his reassignment will be announced at a later date.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 May 2026
Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 May 2026
With numerous baseball clubs firing managers amidst slow starts to the 2026 season, the Mets are now on the clock.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firing
Noun
The Red Sox are tied for last place with the Orioles, nine games back of the Yankees (who swept them in late April leading to Alex Cora’s (and his coaching staff’s) firing.
—Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
The Red Sox have yet to clarify the role offered to Varitek, noting in a news release the night of the firings that details of his reassignment will be announced at a later date.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 May 2026
Verb
This involved firing the spacecraft’s thrusters for 12 hours, increasing Psyche's speed, and refining its approach to the Red Planet.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 May 2026
With numerous baseball clubs firing managers amidst slow starts to the 2026 season, the Mets are now on the clock.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firing
Noun
-
The sweet spot for blasting is in the center of each round target.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
McLeod grew up listening to the quarry’s warning sirens, learning to take cover indoors before the blasting began.—
Sarah Zhang,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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He is seen walking down the middle of the street, terrorizing drivers and waving and shooting a long gun.—
Cheryl Fiandaca,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
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Notably, @Daiyinchi’s breakdown of the 'Smart Framing' feature reached a million-strong audience quickly, suggesting strong interest in tools that offer more hands-on shooting guidance rather than simply another filter.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Between networking wins, social media visibility and unexpected opportunities, this month feels fast-moving and intellectually stimulating in the best way.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
-
For the central South American country, the program offers a pathway to driving global investment and stimulating the local economy.—
Brittany Chang,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But so far the government has decided not to intervene by sacking him and backpedalling on allowing Russia to participate.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
6 May 2026
-
Any hope that Liam Rosenior’s sacking 12 days ago would spark an upturn, especially after their FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds United, have been brought back to reality.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Snell worked around Kim’s throwing error in the third to pitch a scoreless third and his day was done after 77 pitches.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
As both fighters were bloodied, Strickland said that Chimaev pointed to the mat near the end of the fifth round, which is a sign to fighters to start throwing haymakers.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Boeing expects to generate between $1 billion to $3 billion of free cash flow in 2026, following back-to-back years of burning cash.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
-
The crew had to use another door to gain access to the burning home.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Features designed to hook adolescents through infinite scroll, autoplay and notification bombardment should be prohibited for minors.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
-
But the Lebanese leader has been reluctant to meet directly with Netanyahu while his country is under Israeli bombardment.—
Jennifer Hansler,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Since launching in 2022, Artists Equity has produced The Accountant 2, The Instigators, Small Things Like These, Unstoppable and its hit debut Air.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
-
The AirPods have been a hit for Apple since first launching in 2016.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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