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
-
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
-
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, is accused of throwing a rock at the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal — one of the rarest marine mammals in the world — earlier this month in an incident caught on camera by beachgoers.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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Special props to the jolly axe-throwing head of adventure, Nye Rees; personable Brasserie maitre d’, Javier Padron; and trainer Peter Sullivan, who explained the finer points of fasting for women whilst crucifying my glutes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
So few buildings are left standing after Israeli bombardment that the Mediterranean is visible in the distance.—
Shira Pinson,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
-
The country’s recent bombardment of Lebanon, killing thousands in response to Hezbollah strikes launched after joint US-Israeli strikes assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also drawn widespread condemnation internationally.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The upholstered frame is soft and durable—my kids have already put it through the ringer, bumping into it, launching themselves off of it, and using the cushions to build forts.—
Meg Kernahan,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2026
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But according to Reilly, Varda and SpaceX are currently the only companies capable of launching experiments into orbit that don’t need to be operated by astronauts.—
Ramin Skibba,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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